Ecothermodynamics / Biocalorimetry
Research Topics
Thermodynamics as a method to describe conditions and processes of complex systems offers an excellent supplement to kinetic and stoichiometric approaches, experience and intuition by well-founded scientific rules. Unfortunately, thermodynamics in ecosystems as well as in biotechnology is despite of its potential rather seldom applied.
Therefore, our group applys, develops and validates thermodynamic rules with the aims:
- to deepen insights into complex networks of both ecosystems (Microbial Ecology, complex soil systems) and metabolisms (Biothermodynamics),
- to develop stategies for microplastic recycling
- to predict and to control the functional biodiversity (Ecological Microbiology),
- to develop ultra-sensitive real time sensors for ecosystems and biotechnology (Biocalorimetry and Impedance spectroscopy), and
- to analyse and to control complex bioprocesses in larger scale (Bioprocess control).
- to understand interactions of nanomaterial with biological material
Senior Scientist PhD and BA Students
Dr. Thore Rohwerder Shiyyue Yang Hannah Riede
Eliana Di Lodovico
Noelia Fernandez Merayo
Technicians
Sven Paufler (Deputy)
Anika Krämer (TA)
Hans Fritsche (Apprentice)
Methods
- Fermentation / reaction calorimetry - Isothermal Microcalorimetry- Chip calorimetry - ITC & DSC
- Combustion calorimetry - Respirometry
- Impedance Spectroscopy - Fermentations
- Thermokinetic modelling
Selected Cooperations / Projects
TherMic: Thermodynamics of microbial turnover of organic compounds in soil - matter and energy flux under varying environmental conditions.
German Research Council (DFG MA 3746/8-1): Cooperation project with the department UBT
DriverPool: Substrates affects microbial driven distribution of energy and matter among carbon functional pools in soil
German Research Council (DFG, MA 3746/9-1) Cooperation project with the University Trier and Koblenz-Landau
EnVeGeLegio: Development of a method and instruments for the fast detection of Legionella.
Central Innovation Programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (ZIM, ZF4315807RH7): Cooperation project with three samm and medium-sized enterprises
Glycolysis: Thermodynamics and predictions of metabolic pathways
German Research Foundation (DFG): Cooperation project with two universities (Rostock + Dortmund)
Production of chiral R-3-hydroxyalkanoates from methylotrophic bacteria using renewable raw materials
German Federation of Industrial Research Associations "Otto von Guericke" (AiF): Co-operation project with Umwelt- und Ingenieurtechnik GmbH Dresden (UIT)
Analysis and Control of Bioprocesses in natural and technical systems using chip-calorimetry
German Federation of Industrial Research Associations "Otto von Guericke" (AiF): Co-operation project with TU Freiberg, RWTH Aachen and 7 medium sized biotech companies)
Biothermodynamic characterization and analysis of biofilms using new miniaturized chip-calorimeters
German Research Foundation (DFG): Co-operation project with TU Freiberg