Descrizione del progetto
Batteri «elettrici» per produrre acetato dall’anidride carbonica
L’elettrosintesi microbica può fornire sostanze chimiche desiderabili da anidride carbonica ed energia elettrica attraverso il trasferimento biologico di elettroni. Questa caratteristica potrebbe aiutare ad affrontare le problematiche di cattura e stoccaggio del carbonio per il settore dell’energia rinnovabile, contribuendo a un’economia a zero emissioni di carbonio nel futuro. Il progetto BioCat, finanziato dall’UE, investigherà i meccanismi fondamentali dell’elettrosintesi microbica a livello di proteine di membrana. La ricerca utilizzerà diverse fonti batteriche per studiare i meccanismi di trasferimento di base degli elettroni per l’elettrosintesi. La fase finale includerà la costruzione e l’ottimizzazione di un reattore prototipo operativo sempre in funzione per la conversione dell’anidride carbonica in acetato.
Obiettivo
The project „BioCat“ investigates electron uptake mechanisms of electroactive bacteria catalyzing reduction processes on biocathodes at the protein membrane level. Thus, the project will significantly contribute to the basic understanding and optimization of
microbial electrosynthesis.
The driving force for the increasing interest in microbial electrosynthesis is the intriguing capacity of this technology to
produce high value chemicals from carbon dioxide and electricity. This conversion addresses carbon capture and storage
issues of renewable power sources and will contribute to a carbon neutral economy and society.
The project will be conducted at the Inorganic Biochemistry and NMR group (IBN) of the ITQB NOVA in Lisbon with a
secondment at the University of Tübingen at the Laboratory of Prof.Dr. Lars Angenent.
BioCat is divided into three main objectives. First of all a basic understanding of the role of c-type cytochromes and the
indirect or direct nature of the electron transfer will be investigated with Shewanella oneidensis. Subsequently Sporomusa
ovata and its membrane proteins carrying out electron transfer are studied, while the production of acetate from CO2 is
monitored. Both will be analyzed as a function of operating parameters (electrode potential and pH). To round up the project, an optimized continuous run prototype reactor will be operated and characterized.
The project will enable the researcher Joana Madjarov to get trained in the whole chain of basic to applied research. The
main focus lies in the fundamental biochemical research, but the project directly links the findings to application relevant acetate production yields and efficiency.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinatore
1099 085 Lisboa
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