Investigations on Applied Microbiology Regarding Carbon Capture, and Fermentative Production of the Ingredients in Sweeteners, Agricultural Biosurfactants and Cosmetics

Abstract

Regarding the celebration of the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology 150 years, we want to highlight our recent results in the Fermentation Pilot Plant Laboratory (F-labor) which have a focus on applied microbiology. In all of our research activities, we first select an appropriate microorganism for the desired tasks, then optimize its cultivation and product formation, finally investigate process scale up and economics. Here we want to shortly summarize and introduce 4 pillars of our recent research topics: 1. carbon capture by microalga cultures, 2. complex utilization of Yarrowia yeasts with main focus on erythtritol production, 3. bacterial formation of biosurfactants and their use against plant pathogenic fungi on the field of agrobiotechnology and 4. development of different fermented cosmetic ingredients with major focus on Lactobacilli. Regarding microalga cultivation among many methodical developments we could build successfully a 850 L scale tank reactor for Spirulina cultivation. In term of Yarrowia non-conventional yeast complex biotechnology utilization was demonstrated from erythritol to cosmetic applications. Agricultural biosurfactants were successfully applied against Alternaria alternata plant pathogenic fungi. Finally Lactobacilli based cosmetic ingredients were proved to be potential skin-moistening agents.