Periodic Reporting for period 3 - MICRO4BIOGAS (Natural and Synthetic Microbial Communities for Sustainable Production of Optimised Biogas)
Période du rapport: 2024-06-01 au 2025-05-31
After four years, M4B is completed and each work package has successfully delivered the progress and the overall objectives proposed. Throughout the WPs, a roadmap was created covering the most important topics related to anaerobic digestion (as en e-book and in print ISBN: 978-3-940471-84-0 and DOI 10.26127/BTUOpen-6923). Several peer-reviewed publications have been produced and more are currently being submitted. Another objective was to characterize anaerobic digestion (AD) microbiomes from industrial-scale plants in order to unveil the microbial transformations occurring during large-scale biogas production and to use them in bioaugmentation tests in subsequent WPs. Artificially evolved microbial strains with complementary functions were developed to form synthetic consortia to enhance anaerobic digestion. These consortia were tailored to improve methanogen resilience, DIET efficiency, and tolerance to nitrogen and salinity. Bioaugmentation solutions were tested at different scales, a pilot plant was constructed in Aras de los Olmos (and used during the project for large-scale validations), and a plan for the industrial biogas plant has been designed. The environmental and socio-economic implications of the M4B developments were successfully demonstrated through comprehensive LCA, S-LCA and Techno-economic studies. The environmental and social performance of the M4B Bioaugmentation strategies was assessed, and hotspot areas that could be improved were identified. The bridge between scientific and industrial stakeholders was built, including the development of a comprehensive exploitation and business strategy, with 12 identified KERs within M4B. The single strain bioaugmentation strategy, was chosen for expansion into a lengthier business plan. To communicate the progress, the focus was on building a coherent narrative and engaging diverse audiences—from the public to scientific and industrial stakeholders—through tailored communication strategies. Key objectives included raising awareness, supporting exploitation, and delivering technical content for professional use.
Together with the roadmap a communication channel with the EBA was found to share insights and build a strong network. Publications where created in collaboration between partners. Microbial samples were collected and analyzed from 45 AD plants across Europe. Microbiome analyses revealed that all reactors shared a common "core" microbiome. This group of prokaryotes was thoroughly characterized using various omic techniques, physicochemical parameters and correlated with microbiome profiles. Hundreds of microorganisms were isolated, enabling their use in subsequent WPs. Eenrichment cultures of previously unculturable microorganisms, such as members of the Darwinibacteriales order were successfully established. The results of the first artificially evolved microorganism with improved DIET, for bioaugmentation strategies in AD and the results about the enrichment of microaerophilic, acidifying microbiomes and their suitability for nitrogen elimination were finished. Key achievements include the development of evolved methanogens and electroactive strains, microaerophilic microbiome enrichment, and electrochemical adaptation strategies. All planned experiments to test bioaugmentation and transplantation include: lab- (<1L), medium- (1–70 L), and large-scale (70–5,000 L) for validation of different microbial single strains, combinations of them, and/or full microbiomes (up to 30% improvement in biogas production). Environmental and social LCA was conducted including impact assessment results and thorough interpretation of these results. Regarding the S-LCA, the focus was on the industrial scale cases. A comparative analysis between conventional and bioaugmentation-enhanced biogas production was provided for all cases. The Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) offered a detailed financial outlook, including net profit, Free Cash Flow, and investment indicators over ten years. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the financial robustness under varying conditions, identifying key cost drivers. A comprehensive exploitation strategy was developed around 12 Key Exploitable Results (KERs), prioritized by TRL and market potential. A full market analysis highlighted the European biogas sector's structure, policy influences, and biomethane competitiveness. A business plan for a bioaugmentation kit projected a 39% CH4 yield increase, supported by a €1.9M roadmap and B2B model. An IPR strategy was successfully implemented, covering patents, trade secrets, and FTO protocols. A comprehensive dissemination plan was executed, including the launch of a visual identity, website, blog, podcast, and five active social media channels. Scientific dissemination was supported through publications and events, while outreach included a school biodigester activity and e-learning platform. Over 500.000 social media impressions, more than 30.000 website visits, and strong engagement metrics across all platforms reflect the success of these efforts.
Creation of a holistic, officially published roadmap that gathers all information on the present and future of the biogas industry in Europe.
Isolation and characterization of microorganisms and microbial consortia that naturally inhabit biogas production tanks differentiated on the basis of substrate and process characteristics, and including the leverage of publicly available sequencing databases.
Identification of the main drivers that shape the structure of AD microbiomes through the exhaustive cross-comparison of operating conditions and taxonomic profiles by using machine learning and other statistical methods.
Discovery of novel microbial taxa with potential relevance for improving process efficiency (e.g. Darwinibacteriales, newly described bacterial order identified in the MICRO4BIOGAS project, hypothesized to interact syntrophically with archaea to facilitate methane production)
Design of an improved and robust microbial consortia (synthetic consortia) for bioaugmentation using adaptive evolution strategies supported by kinetic modeling, flux balance analysis, and –omic analyses.
Obtaining of several bioaugmentation strategies and validation at laboratory scale of the selected microbial isolates/consortia to set the basis of new bioaugmentation kits to optimize biogas production.
Intensification of the biogas production process, leading to a reduction of the required residence time with the same yield of biomethane.
Novel configuration of scalable anaerobic digesters, which facilitates bioaugmentation with selected strains due to the application of selective pressures, improving the robustness of the process.
Demonstration of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the developments envisaged in M4B, including gender issues and potential risks.
Finalisation of 12 Key Exploitable Results (KER) of different levels of maturity (TRL) and nature (publication, product, service, etc).
Development of business models and strategies associated with the new proposed technologies, bioaugmentation strategies, and bio-based products.
Stakeholder’s engagement for systemic innovation and for delivering efficient feedback into policymaking in research, innovation, and technology.
Development of an online open elearning platform for professional training on the biogas sector, technology and innovation.
Isolation and characterization of microorganisms and microbial consortia that naturally inhabit biogas production tanks differentiated on the basis of substrate and process characteristics, and including the leverage of publicly available sequencing databases.
Identification of the main drivers that shape the structure of AD microbiomes through the exhaustive cross-comparison of operating conditions and taxonomic profiles by using machine learning and other statistical methods.
Discovery of novel microbial taxa with potential relevance for improving process efficiency (e.g. Darwinibacteriales, newly described bacterial order identified in the MICRO4BIOGAS project, hypothesized to interact syntrophically with archaea to facilitate methane production)
Design of an improved and robust microbial consortia (synthetic consortia) for bioaugmentation using adaptive evolution strategies supported by kinetic modeling, flux balance analysis, and –omic analyses.
Obtaining of several bioaugmentation strategies and validation at laboratory scale of the selected microbial isolates/consortia to set the basis of new bioaugmentation kits to optimize biogas production.
Intensification of the biogas production process, leading to a reduction of the required residence time with the same yield of biomethane.
Novel configuration of scalable anaerobic digesters, which facilitates bioaugmentation with selected strains due to the application of selective pressures, improving the robustness of the process.
Demonstration of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the developments envisaged in M4B, including gender issues and potential risks.
Finalisation of 12 Key Exploitable Results (KER) of different levels of maturity (TRL) and nature (publication, product, service, etc).
Development of business models and strategies associated with the new proposed technologies, bioaugmentation strategies, and bio-based products.
Stakeholder’s engagement for systemic innovation and for delivering efficient feedback into policymaking in research, innovation, and technology.
Development of an online open elearning platform for professional training on the biogas sector, technology and innovation.