Plasma for Bioeconomy
We research and develop novel, physics-based methods for extracting valuable compounds from marine organisms, microbes, and plant biomass – with applications in the food and cosmetics industries as well as in energy production. Our focus is on gentle, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies that replace or complement conventional solvent-based and energy-intensive processes.
The use of cold physical plasmas opens up new possibilities for releasing molecules such as pigments, polyphenols, or polysaccharides. Controlled plasma treatment can open cell walls without the need for aggressive chemicals. The advantages include increased yields, shorter processing times, reduced residues, and the potential to generate new functional derivatives that are of interest for coloring, active ingredients, or texturizing purposes in food and cosmetics.
For the efficient conversion of biomass, we rely on the combination of ultrasound and microwave plasma. Ultrasound causes intense cavitation and mechanical cell disruption, while microwave plasmas support both thermal and non-thermal reactions. This synergy increases the availability of organic substrates, accelerates fermentation, and can significantly improve methane formation in biogas plants. The results are shorter retention times, higher energy efficiency, and improved process stability in biogas production.
Pulsed electric fields (PEF) and targeted plasma treatments make it possible to specifically influence the growth, differentiation, and metabolism of marine microalgae, bacteria, and yeasts. By adjusting field strength, pulse duration, and frequency, cell permeability, stress responses, and secondary metabolism can be steered in such a way that the formation of desired metabolites is promoted or unwanted organisms are selectively inhibited. This strategy is suitable both for optimizing raw material production in bioreactors and for quality control in production processes.
Powerful analytics are an integral part of our work. We use state-of-the-art methods such as LC–MS/MS, GC–MS, Raman, XPS, and UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as high-resolution microscopy, to precisely detect molecular-level changes. These tools not only enable the identification and quantification of target compounds but also process monitoring, quality control, and the identification of optimization potential.
Our projects are practice-oriented and implemented in close collaboration with industrial partners from the food, cosmetics, and energy sectors, as well as with universities and research institutions. Together we carry out pilot trials, scale up processes, and address questions of economic viability.
