WP1 focuses on developing and optimizing materials for electrodes and membranes to maximize the energy efficiency of the BPV system. Innovative surface modifications, such as electron-beam techniques, are used to enhance material functionality and durability. These materials undergo rigorous testing for performance and scalability, ensuring they can meet the demands of real-world applications. Collaborating with other work packages, WP1 integrates novel mediators and biofilm technologies to refine subsystem designs. This foundational work contributes to the efficiency and reliability of the entire BPV system, establishing a benchmark for future biohybrid energy technologies. Work on WP1 is conducted in the group of Physical Chemistry of Complex Systems and Technology at the University Leipzig.

WP2 develops advanced redox mediators to improve electron transfer between photosynthetic microorganisms and electrodes. These mediators are synthesized to optimize solubility, mobility, and compatibility with biological systems. By targeting specific electron transport proteins, the mediators enhance reaction efficiency while maintaining biological stability. Advanced imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, are employed to analyze mediator interactions in real-time. WP2 also explores covalent binding of mediators to electrode surfaces, ensuring precise and efficient electron flow. This work is critical for improving the overall performance and scalability of the BPV system. Work on WP1 is conducted in the group for Coordination Chemistry at the University Leipzig.

WP3 investigates the complex interactions between microorganisms, mediators, and electrodes to optimize the BPV system’s biological and electrochemical components. Using system biology approaches, researchers analyze cellular responses to different reaction conditions, focusing on productivity and stability. Data from metabolic and photosynthetic studies help identify the best combinations of organisms, mediators, and materials. The results inform the design of robust and efficient BPV systems, enabling seamless integration across work packages. This work ensures that the biological components remain highly productive and resilient, even under challenging conditions. WP3 is conducted in the group of Systems Biotechnology at UFZ.

WP4 focuses on designing modular µBPV systems for detailed analysis of reaction dynamics and photosynthetic efficiency. These chip-sized reactors offer a controlled environment for testing material properties, mediator performance, and cellular responses. Utilizing advanced 3D-printing techniques, the miniaturized systems allow rapid prototyping and real-time observation of reaction processes. The insights gained from these experiments support the refinement of larger BPV systems. WP4 bridges the gap between theoretical models and practical applications, providing a scalable platform for optimizing biohybrid energy systems in collaboration with other work packages. WP4 is conducted in the departmant of Solar Materials Biotechnology at UFZ.

WP5 scales insights from µBPV systems to laboratory reactors, enabling comprehensive testing of materials, mediators, and microorganisms. The package evaluates various combinations to identify optimal setups for high performance and reproducibility. By refining process kinetics and electrochemical parameters, WP5 ensures that the BPV system operates efficiently under lab conditions. This work also generates consistent samples for system biology analyses in WP3, ensuring integration and data-driven improvements. The outcomes of WP5 lay the groundwork for scaling the BPV system to field applications, bridging laboratory innovations with practical deployment. WP5 is conducted in the group of Biophotovoltaics at UFZ.

WP6 aims to stabilize the biological catalysts by developing robust biofilm structures that optimize light capture and productivity. Researchers investigate growth parameters, biofilm properties, and their interaction with electrode materials to enhance stability and efficiency. The work includes testing naturally occurring microorganisms and adapting biofilms for both laboratory and outdoor environments. Collaboration with other work packages ensures that materials and mediators are compatible with the biofilm system. WP6 contributes to long-term system resilience and scalability by maximizing light utilization and maintaining catalyst performance. WP5 is conducted in the group of Catalytic Biofilms at UFZ.

WP7 designs and tests electrochemical modules that integrate seamlessly with the BPV system. These modules facilitate efficient energy conversion processes, focusing on optimizing anode and cathode reactions. Utilizing advanced prototyping techniques, researchers develop cost-effective and scalable solutions. The work emphasizes modularity, allowing for easy expansion and integration into larger systems. WP7 also investigates material performance and operational parameters, ensuring the modules meet real-world requirements. This work is essential for achieving the project’s goals of scalability and practical deployment in diverse environments. WP3 is conducted in the group of Electrobiotechnology at UFZ.

WP8 integrates individual modules into a cohesive system, focusing on energy efficiency and adaptability to varying light conditions. Researchers identify key operational parameters to optimize system performance, including energy and electron transfer efficiencies. By testing setups with up to one square meter of active surface area, WP8 evaluates scalability and robustness. The package also incorporates storage and processing solutions for electrochemical products, ensuring seamless operation under real-world conditions. This work package bridges laboratory advancements and field-ready systems, enabling the transition to practical energy applications. WP8 is conducted in the group for Thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms at UFZ.

The results of all WPs merge in WP9, which realizes and validates the BPV system in outdoor settings, ensuring scalability and operational durability. This package coordinates contributions from all work packages to build and deploy a pilot system. Researchers test the system’s performance under real-world conditions, refining process parameters and assessing long-term reliability. By scaling up and validating the system, WP9 prepares the technology for commercial applications. This package represents the culmination of the BISON project, translating cutting-edge research into a sustainable and impactful energy solution. WP9 is under lead management of the group of Systems Biotechnology at UFZ.