Technical University of Graz
Key persons: Dr. Torsten Mayr, Prof. Bernd Nidetzky
General description
TUG is represented by the Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering and the Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry. The latter group has focused on the development of new sensing schemes and spectroscopic methods for chemo- and biosensing, including the synthesis of tailor-made indicators, receptors and polymeric sensor materials. The Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering (Head Prof. Bernd Nidetzky) is aiming to achieve innovative solutions for efficient and accelerated process development in biotechnology using an integrated scientific-technological approach that combines modern methods of molecular and process bioengineering. The research activities are focused on three main fields: applied enzymology and enzyme technology; metabolic and reaction engineering for biocatalysis and renewable resource utilization; and glycobiotechnology
Role
TUG will lead WP8, host two ESRs, provide network-wide training activities (organization of Meeting 3, WP4), providing sensor technology, and capacity for biocatalysis (mainly) and fermentation in MBRs.
Key competences and facilities
Competences: Optical chemical sensor technology; Luminescence spectroscopy and lifetime imaging; Applied enzymology, biocatalysis and reaction engineering; microstructured flow reactors for biocatalysis; enzyme immobilization (in microreactors); enzyme development and optimization of reaction conditions in microscale flow reactors; process intensification for enzymatic conversions using microreactors.
Facilities: Laboratory for synthesis and preparation of sensing materials; Equipment for characterizing of sensing materials; Equipment for enzyme development; fully interfaced platform of microfluidic reactors for biotransformations using immobilized enzymes; falling-film microreactor for O2-dependent biotransformations; precision pumps.