Biocatalysis

In the field of biocatalysis, we deal with the identification of novel enzymes and the targeted modification of process-relevant protein properties through protein engineering. The optimised enzymes are used either in isolated form or as whole-cell catalysts. For this purpose, we develop customised cell factories in which limitations of natural cells, such as undesired side reactions, are overcome by genetic modifications of the host cells.

However, focusing on the molecular properties of biocatalysts alone is not sufficient to establish economically and ecologically advantageous biotechnological production processes that represent a technology equivalent to or even superior to chemical catalysis. Bioprocess technology is needed in order to establish new and improved production processes and to be able to fully exploit the potential of (optimised) biocatalysts.