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Agriculture, Bioeconomy & Environment

The research focus is on the development of technologies and processes for applications in agriculture and food processing, the processing of plant raw materials and residues, and the prevention of the introduction of pollutants and germs into the environment, especially via wastewater. In particular, non-thermal plasmas are used and investigated, whose various mechanisms of action are specifically exploited.

In the field of agriculture, this can be used to replace agricultural chemicals, e.g. pesticides, in the long term. It has also been shown that growth and metabolic processes can be stimulated. The latter are of growing interest, especially with regard to adapting rearing conditions to climatic challenges. In food processing, hygiene standards can also be increased, thus improving consumer safety but also the storage stability of products.

Plasma processes also offer opportunities for new biomass processing techniques. These include digestion processes by which even temperature-sensitive valuable ingredients can be extracted from microalgae. In biogas plants, too, plant substrates that have been difficult to digest up to now, as well as residual materials such as those contained in liquid manure, can be better digested, thus increasing biogas yields.

In the degradation of pollutants and contaminants, plasma processes are characterized by the degradation of even very stable chemical compounds and effective sterilization. These include pharmaceutical residues, agricultural chemicals and also multi-resistant microorganisms. An explicit goal of the application is thus the treatment of wastewater and a treatment of process waters for their recirculation. However, germs and undesirable substances in room and exhaust air, e.g. in animal husbandry or food storage, can also be successfully eliminated.

Kreislaufwirtschaft_LBD_eng_3_.jpg
Innovations are developed along the entire value chain.

The guiding themes of agriculture, bioeconomy and environment deliberately address in detail challenges as described in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Together, they show how a recycling economy that is as loss-free and environmentally friendly as possible can be established on the basis of plasma processes. In addition to the activities described above, other related fields of application are increasingly of interest, such as animal welfare in livestock farming or aquaculture, the prevention and processing of food waste, the efficient use of waste as an organic fertilizer, and the conservation and rehabilitation of soils and farmland. In addition, the processes developed, especially for the degradation of pollutants and germs, are not limited to the areas described, and are also used for other applications, e.g. the treatment of hospital wastewater or the disinfection of surfaces and articles.


Application fields

The use of non-thermal plasmas for the treatment of seeds and in the cultivation of crops opens up new possibilities for the production and processing of agricultural products. On the one hand, their disinfecting effect can be used to replace agrochemicals. On the other hand, metabolic processes can be stimulated that allow better adaptation or resilience to very different weather conditions, which are becoming increasingly important, especially in connection with changing climatic conditions. Together, these potentials contribute to securing and possibly increasing yields in crop cultivation. The aim of the research focus is to investigate the fundamentals of the relevant processes and their implementation in technical solutions for the user. The focus is on the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formed with air or water in plasma. A distinction is made between direct treatment methods, in which the plasma has a direct effect, and indirect methods, in which air or water treated with plasma is used. For direct treatment, plasma has already been established as a possible substitute for chemical seed treatment as part of the BMBF-funded WIR! project "Physics for Food". The use of plasma-treated air, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for reducing losses during storage, e.g. due to molds or insects. Various objectives can be pursued with plasma-treated water. This also includes the destruction of harmful microorganisms. In addition, the nitrogen compounds enriched in the water can also be used specifically for fertilization, thus avoiding the use of mineral fertilizers. Particularly promising is the manipulation of metabolic processes, which has so far been reflected in stronger root growth and indicates better adaptation to stress.

CONTACT PERSON
Dr. Henrike Brust
henrike.brustinp-greifswaldde

Dr. Nicola Wannicke
nicola.wannickeinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

The prevention and elimination of pathogens is also of paramount importance in animal husbandry. Plasma applications can help to reduce the need for medicines and generally ensure hygienic husbandry conditions even without the intensive use of disinfectants. Germs can be removed by plasma filters from the stable air, e.g. from calf and pig stalls, and also from the water, e.g. from aquaculture systems, and not only captured in filters, but also actually inactivated. Direct plasma treatments and the use of plasma-treated air or plasma-treated water can also be used to disinfect surfaces, e.g. again for the stables themselves or for equipment such as milking harnesses. Preventive measures, such as hoof care for hoofed animals, e.g. to prevent thrush using plasma-treated water, can also be easily implemented. In addition, germ prevention and reduction is also important for chemical-free disinfection of meat substitute products.

CONTACT
Dr. Robert Bansemer
robert.bansemerinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

In addition to the more recent application of plasma processes in the pre-harvest area, i.e. in crop cultivation, the use of plasma-treated air and plasma-treated water is now a technology that is being closely followed commercially, especially in the post-harvest area, i.e. in food processing. The immediate objectives are to reduce food losses and increase food safety. The main focus is on investigating how plasma processes can be advantageously integrated into existing processing procedures. Examples of this are an immersion process to avoid storage losses in 'controlled atmosphere', i.e. CA storage, fruit marketing or washing processes in 'fresh-cut' production. Other activities include the development of 'cleaning in place' and 'sterilization in place' (CIP/SIP) processes in the packaging sector. The idea of using plasma to efficiently generate antimicrobial species, in particular radicals and metastables, is also being pursued. These are degraded within process-typical times, so that possible effects on the product can be minimized and any risk to the consumer can be excluded. The INP is involved as an active partner in various national and international projects in order to advance research activities relating to the development, production and marketing of plasma-based systems for the efficient, gentle decontamination of food, production equipment and their packaging.

CONTACT
Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

Dr. Uta Schnabel
uta.schnabelinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

The central task for the bioeconomy is the material and energetic use of various biomasses. Depending on the requirements and tasks, processing technologies are needed that have to meet very different requirements in terms of power input, thermal and mechanical stress and chemical conversion. Plasma sources can meet these requirements in a wide range of applications.

For the treatment of manure, such as fermentation residues from biogas plants for further fermentation, a process has been developed that combines a plasma and ultrasonic source. The organic load of the fermentation residues can be broken down by means of plasma and ultrasound treatment and used for methane production. The newly developed innovative process also makes a significant contribution to avoiding harmful emissions, as ammonia and methane releases can be significantly reduced.

In addition, the plasma sources developed in the research focus also offer potential for the material utilization of substrates such as cellulose, lignin or sewage sludge, e.g. for the production of glucose, as well as the recycling of phosphorus.

CONTACT
Dr. Volker Brüser
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolb@inp-greifswald.de

Physical plasma is also suitable for the gentle but effective digestion of microalgae biomass. Microalgae contain a variety of valuable ingredients that can be used for different purposes. For example, they are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, the food industry and in the production of fine chemicals. However, microalgae have very firm cell walls, which often do not achieve the desired success with conventional digestion methods, either due to insufficient digestion or negative effects (e.g. heat development) on the extract material. A plasma source was developed for digestion using physical plasma, which gently but effectively breaks down the cell walls of the algae. The main effect of the plasma is based on strong shock waves, which are responsible for the digestion result. Negative side effects such as heat development or oxidative processes hardly occur and therefore have no negative effect on the substances to be extracted. It has already been shown that temperature-sensitive substances, such as proteins or coloring pigments, can be extracted particularly well from microalgae without any harmful effect on the molecules.

CONTACT
Dr. Katja Zocher
katja.zocherinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

Water treatment is facing major challenges due to the increasing concentration of pollutants and the associated concerns. In particular, substances that are difficult to biodegrade, such as medicines or pesticides, require new, efficient methods. Plasma processes are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative that can be developed specifically for different requirements. In contrast, many conventional processes, such as ozonation or UV treatment, are not very efficient for stable compounds. Overall, plasma technologies can be used to counteract emissions into the environment, particularly via wastewater. Plasma can also be used effectively against problematic microorganisms, e.g. legionella and multi-resistant microorganisms. This means that water as a resource can be better utilized as a means of production and can be used more efficiently in recirculation systems. In addition, natural pollutants such as cyanotoxins, which impair the drinking water supply due to the increased occurrence of algal blooms, can also be effectively countered. Pollutant degradation in soils, e.g. of perfluorinated hydrocarbons, has now also become increasingly important in connection with water runoff. Together with the possibilities arising from the processing of biomass, soils can also potentially be regenerated.

The methods for bringing a plasma into or close to the liquid usually differ significantly from those for treating gases. However, there are also additional possibilities for utilizing reaction processes in the liquid, which can not only be advantageous for the degradation of pollutants, but also open up new paths for chemical syntheses.

CONTACT PERSON
Dr. Marcel Schneider
marcel.schneiderinp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

Dr. Veronika Hahn
veronika.hahninp-greifswaldde

Plasma processes are generally very successful in breaking down harmful germs, but above all also pollutants or at least undesirable chemical compounds in air and exhaust gases. These can be volatile hydrocarbons (VOCs) and odors, but also unwanted emissions such as carbon dioxide. The COVID pandemic has also brought the elimination of airborne germs back into focus. The possible uses for plasma technology are just as diverse as the various fields of application and appropriate solutions can be developed in a targeted manner. This can involve the removal of microorganisms and ripening gases in the storage of fruit and vegetables or the purification of room air to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in office buildings, hospitals or even cruise ships. The degradation of pollutants, e.g. nitrogen oxides and sulphur compounds, in exhaust gas streams from industrial plants or combustion engines also offers opportunities for the use of plasmas. Especially for the conversion of carbon dioxide, plasma processes have explicit and unique potential for controlling the chemical processes involved. For this reason, the research focus "Agriculture, Bioeconomy and Environment" also works closely with the research focus "Plasma Chemical Processes" to understand and develop the area of exhaust and ambient air.

CONTACT

Prof. Dr. Ronny Brandenburg
brandenburginp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

The methods developed for disinfection and decontamination are not only suitable for use in agriculture, bioeconomy or with regard to environmental aspects. They are also of particular interest to the medical sector, the care sector and preventive health protection. Plasma processes can be successfully used for the reprocessing and even sterilization of items that are not accessible to other processes, e.g. autoclaving. In addition to traditional disposable items, this also includes endoscopes and the reprocessing of personal protective equipment such as respiratory masks or textiles. Consciously exploited and optimized processes have also achieved significantly better, faster and more comprehensive results against certain problematic germs on surfaces, e.g. Cryptosporidium, than disinfectants. In public spaces, the spread of infections via contact surfaces, e.g. handrails and handrails, can be prevented. Plasmas are also used for the basic cleaning of patient rooms or hospital trolleys to prevent nosocomial infections. The advantage over conventional disinfection methods and agents is residue-free treatment. In addition, no resistance to the physico-chemical mechanisms used is known or expected. Plasma processes are therefore also extremely promising for the elimination of multi-resistant microorganisms and viruses.

CONTACT
Dr. Veronika Hahn
veronika.hahninp-greifswaldde

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

  • IFAT Munich 2024, 13-17 May 2024:
    World's Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management.
    We exhibit at the joint booth of the German Water Partnership (GWP)
  • DECHEMA Industry Days Water Technology 2023, Nov. 14-15, 2023, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
    M. Schneider (lecture) "Innovative plasma technologies for water treatment".
  • Agritechnica 2023, Nov. 12-18, Hanover, Germany
    P. Druse
  • 13th Asian-European Intern. Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (AEPSE 2023), 5-8.11.23, Busan, Korea.
    V. Brüser (invited talk) "Plasma-assisted catalytic processes for hydrogen storage and production", S. Mousazadeh Borghei (talk) "Synergetic effect of the liquid water and hydrogen on CO2 conversion by nanosecond-pulsed DBD"
  • Global Plasma Forum, 10/15-18/23, Aomori, Japan.
    J.F. Kolb (plenary lecture) "Plasma Treated Water for Agriculture."
  • Seeds meets Technology, 9/26-28, Zwaagdijk-Oost, Netherlands.
    R. Bansemer
  • Aquaculture Europe 2023, 18.9.-21.9.23, Vienna, Austria
    M. Balazinski (presentation) "Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Pulsed Electric Fields as Decontamination Technologies for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems."
  • Symposium Blue Bioeconomy, 11.9.-13.9.23, University of Oldenburg, Germany.
    K. Zocher (presentation) " Physical Plasma as an Extraction Method."
  • 23rd Intern. Conference on Gas Discharges, 10.-15.9.23, Greifswald, Germany.
    J.F. Kolb (invited talk) "Chemical Transformation by Atmospheric Pressure Discharges in Air with the Addition of Water."
  • VDLUFA Congress 2023, 7.9.23, Weihenstephan Triersdorf University of Applied Sciences, Freising:
    Climate adaptation and food security - challenges for agriculture.
    N. Wannicke (invited lecture) " Potential of seed treatment with physical cold plasma (CAP) for seed hygiene and biostimulance".
  • International Bioeconomy ClusterMeeting, 28-30.8.2023, Finsterwalde, Germany.
    K. Zocher (presentation) "Physical Plasma Methods for a Novel Circular Bioeconomy Approach."
  • LASER World of PHOTONICS 2023, 6/27-30/6/2023, Messe München, Germany.
    We exhibit and present: E. Timmermann " SafeCutter - Safe Laser Processing Made Easy", R. Bansemer.
  • 4th Intern. Workshop on Plasma Agriculture (IWOPA4), 18.-22.6.2023, Seoul, Korea.
    H. Brust (plenary lecture) "Effects of Plasma Treated Water on Narrow-leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) under Abiotic Stress", J.F. Kolb (plenary lecture) "Plasma Agriculture - from Laboratory to Field".
  • 17th Rostock Bioenergy Forum, 16.6.2023, Rostock, Germany.
    V. Brüser (presentation) "Biomass treatment using plasmas - methods for ultrasonic plasma treatment of fermentation residues from biogas plants".
  • 25th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry, 21-26.5,23, Kyoto, Japan.
    S. Mousazadeh Borghei (poster) "Influence of Liquid Water and Hydrogen on CO2 Conversion for a Nanosecond-Pulsed DBD."
  • Intern. Assoc. Food Protection European Symposium 2023, 3-5/5/2023, Aberdeen, UK.
    U. Schnabel (poster) "Plasma Treated Water: Industrial Application on Minimally Processed Leafy Greens."
  • 20th Plasma Technology Conference, 3/27-29/2023, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
    M. Schmidt (presentation) "Power Measurement in an Inductively Limited Pin-to-Liquid Discharge."
  • Annual Meeting of Plant Research 2023 (PLANT 2030), 20.-22.3.2023, Potsdam, Germany
    H. Brust (poster) "Effects of Plasma Treated Water on Blue Lupine (Lupinus angustiflius L.) under Drought Stress", J.F. Kolb.
  • Seed Conference 2023, 7-9.3.2023, Nossen Germany.
    N. Wannicke (presentation, co-author) "Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment of Trifolium and Poa Seeds as a Tool to Increase Germination Rates."


Project topics

Application-oriented research in the research area of decontamination is supported through various projects, in which either physical fundamentals are the center of focus, or the feasibility of different applications is investigated.

Duration from 1.1.2024 - 31.12.2026, funded by the Cooperative Excellence program of the Leibniz Association under the funding code (FKZ) K522/2023.

Bio-based polymers are becoming increasingly important as a substitute for materials derived from crude oil. Accordingly, the possibilities of degrading bio-based polymers and reusing the available components, i.e. the monomers, are becoming increasingly important. The development of appropriate processes could thus enable a complete circular economy. In addition to thermal reuse, chemical recycling, with which basic materials can actually be recovered, is of decisive importance. Depolymerization into monomeric and oligomeric building blocks would directly provide starting materials for renewed polymerization. The project, led by the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, is tackling this challenge and investigating various chemical and technical approaches of varying degrees of maturity. One of the promising methods being investigated at the INP is the use of plasma processes. The research efforts are carried out in close cooperation with partners from the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research and the University of Paderborn. The focus is on the conversion of bio-based polyurethanes, carbonates, amides and esters.

Project management:

Dr. Volker Brüser
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3808
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.10.2023 - 30.9.2026, funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate (BMWK) under the 7th Energy Research Program of the Federal Government with the funding code (FKZ) 03EI5473A.

In addition to their contribution as a renewable energy source, biogas plants also help to prevent the release of greenhouse gases, particularly from liquid manure, i.e. methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). However, currently only about 75% of organic biomass is actually converted in biogas plants and 25% remains in the fermentation residues, which are then mostly applied as fertilizer. Instead, the project is driving forward the development of the application of ultrasound and plasma, which began in a predecessor project "KombiMax" funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is being continued by the Leibniz Association-funded basic research-oriented ongoing project "BioAdvan". A special feature here is the combination with a vacuum separation process. The focus is therefore specifically on the reuse of fermentation residues, which are fed back into the biogas plant after appropriate treatment. The technical concepts will be installed in new biogas plants as well as in existing plants. Partners in the project are BioBG GmbH, Biogastechnik Süd GmbH, Innovations- und Bildungszentrum Hohen Luckow e.V. and, as associated partners, Power Recycling Energy Services GmbH and Ultrawaves Wasser- und Umwelttechnologien GmbH. In addition to increasing methane yields by 20%, the possibility of producing hydrogen and controlling the nitrogen contained in the final fermentation residue is also being investigated.

Project management:

Dr. Volker Brüser
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3808
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.10.2023 - 30.9.2026, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as a scientific preliminary project under the funding code (FKZ) 13N16754.

Ammonia (NH3) is one of the most important raw materials for industry, agriculture and food production and is playing an increasingly important role as an energy source. Industrial production is carried out using the Haber-Bosch process, which is associated with enormous technical effort due to high temperatures and pressures. The research project therefore aims to develop a new decentralized approach for the synthesis of NH3 from N2 and H2O, in which electrocatalysis is combined with a low-temperature plasma. The very stable N2 molecules are stimulated by the plasma, dissociated and can thus be made to react with H2. In addition to fertilizer production, the approach is also used to store H2 in NH3. Furthermore, the principle developed is also important for other synthesis processes for other substances.

Project management:

Dr. Volker Brüser
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3808
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 15.9.2023 – 27.3.2025, funded by the Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) of the Forestry Commission of the United Kingdom under the funding reference TPIF_92.

Breaking seed dormancy for nursery propagation requires periods (sometimes several months) of warm and cold stratification, which are often only partially effective and tree seed germination may be slow and unpredictable, limiting the production of seedlings for tree planting. Under the lead of the Millennium Seed Bank, hosted by Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, this project will investigate the effects of plasma treatments on seed dormancy, germination, and storage for eight UK native tree species. The expertise of Royal Botanic Gardens and INP will be complemented by phenoLytics GmbH, and Elsoms Trees Ltd. Results will improve knowledge of dormancy mechanisms and germination requirements of tree seeds and enable improved propagation of trees from seeds. The role of plasma treatments in the microbial decontamination of tree seeds will also be determined, which will contribute to enhancing tree seed quality in the forest trade.

The project will integrate globally unique high-throughput 3D X-ray phenotyping to quantitatively assess the effects of plasma treatments on seed quality, germination and seedling development. This technology can then be leveraged to optimise seed screening and sorting to remove damaged and defective low-quality/unviable seeds for an efficient production of high-quality forestry seeds. The development and optimisation of plasma treatments and phenotyping algorithms for diverse tree seeds will enable the wider application of these technologies in the forestry sector to improve seed quality and and enhance tree production.

Projektleitung:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Tel.: +49 3834 – 554 3950

Duration from 1.9.2023 - 31.12.2025, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2816A.

The use of agricultural chemicals, especially pesticides and fertilizers, is a prerequisite for the high-yield cultivation of crops and fodder plants and thus for the comprehensive supply of affordable food. The associated environmental impact and possible risks for consumers are being viewed with increasing concern. As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Change through innovation in the region" initiative, the "Physics for Food" project has therefore set itself the goal of investigating and establishing physical methods as an alternative to chemical processes. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health in the field, as well as for the storage of field products and their processing are being investigated. Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org.

The lead project "Physics & Ecology" directly addresses the objectives of the overall project to create the basis for a more residue-free and environmentally friendly agriculture and agricultural production. To this end, the approaches developed and tested in the first funding phase in "Physics for Environment" for the treatment of wastewater from agricultural production processes will be taken up and transferred to other applications. These include the treatment of spray agent residues, field drainage water and silage seepage water as well as the treatment of rainwater and process wastewater for use in agricultural processes, e.g. as cooling or process water, or for agricultural irrigation. Based on the work in the lead project "Physics for Cropping Systems", the use of plasma-treated rainwater or process water for crop cultivation and the effects on soil quality will be investigated in particular. In addition, other possible applications for the use of physical technologies for the remediation of (agricultural) soils and for the provision of organic fertilizers based on biomass, e.g. green waste, are being considered and investigated. Together with the INP, Harbauer GmbH, Berlin, and Ultrawaves Wasser- & Umwelttechnologien GmbH, Karlsbad-Ittersbach, are constructing test facilities with which various physical processes can be validated for the different applications. Furthermore, the effects of the application of physical technologies on plant growth and soil quality will be assessed. In addition to these funded partners, other relevant stakeholders and end users (Power Recycling Energyservice GmbH, Neubrandenburg, ABiTEP GmbH, Berlin, Braumanufaktur Ludwigslust GmbH & Co. KG, WF Milch GmbH, Wittstock/Freyenstein, Karls Markt OHG, Rövershagen, Agroscope, Switzerland) by granting access to their production facilities and actively supporting investigations into their specific fields of application or accompanying the work in the project in an advisory capacity. The experience gained will be used to explicitly derive technologies and systems that respond to the needs of agricultural operations in order to enable the sustainable use of water and soil.

Project management:

Dr. Marcel Schneider
marcel.schneiderinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 01.08.2023 - 31.07.2025, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2222.

The Plant³-WIR! joint project PLEXIM deals with the extraction of ingredients from the model alga Galdieria sulphuraria using physical plasma. The consortium consists of the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology e.V., Algenfarm Klötze GmbH & Co. KG and BioActive Food GmbH from Bad Segeberg.

The aim of the project is to qualify "plasma extraction" as a technology relevant to the bioeconomy for the extraction of plant ingredients. The plant-based colorant phycocyanin is mainly extracted from cyanobacteria as a food colorant or dietary supplement. Studies have shown that the substance has antioxidant properties and can be used as an adjuvant in neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. The natural blue food colorant phycocyanin is currently obtained exclusively through the cold-water extraction of spirulina biomass, a cyanobacterium. This is grown phototrophically, mostly in Asia. The market for phycocyanin is growing rapidly and the extraction of Spirulina biomass in appropriate qualities is increasingly becoming a problem, as cultivation in open ponds requires large areas and cannot be expanded at will. In contrast, the model algae for this project can be cultivated cost-effectively in photobioreactors or fermenters, both indoors and outdoors, making it seasonally independent in terms of harvesting and free from contamination. The aim of this project is to validate a process in which phycocyanin is obtained gently but effectively from the extremophilic microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria using physical plasma. In order to make the algae usable in a holistic way, the extracts obtained using plasma are also examined in cell experiments. The literature suggests that the microalgae contains substances with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim is therefore to examine whether inflammation markers in the skin cell lines are positively influenced and whether the algae could possibly serve as a source of raw materials for a cosmetic product against seborrhoeic eczema.

Project management:

Dr. Katja Zocher
katja.zocherinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3977

Duration from 01.03.2023 - 28.02.2026, funded by the Cooperative Excellence program of the Leibniz Association under the funding code (FKZ) K494/2022.

Biological resources that can be used and reused sustainably are increasingly coming into focus, particularly in times of scarce raw materials and also in view of climate change. The cooperative project combines the expertise of the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) in plasma technologies with the expertise of the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in the processing of biomass and the expertise of the Institute of Water Resources Management at the University of Rostock (UoR) in the recovery of raw materials from waste and wastewater. The aim of the project is to increase the added value of organic (residual) materials through innovative and advanced technologies in order to better exploit the ecological and economic potential of biogenic resources. Our immediate interest is to increase the yields in biogas plants (also as an alternative to natural gas) on the one hand, and on the other hand to process biomass that is currently only poorly suited for this purpose. Ultimately, however, the residues are also to be put to good use or used as a resource for the recovery of valuable materials. However, the entire biomass cycle will be considered, including cultivation, animal husbandry, residue management, refinement of fermentation residues into fertilizers, etc., and targeted work will be carried out on currently unsatisfactory solutions or gaps for a comprehensive circular bioeconomy. Ultimately, the detailed understanding achieved in this way is to be used to improve processes with regard to biomass degradability, degradation or enrichment of nitrogen in the digestate (adjustment of nutrient availability), risk reduction (reduction of antibiotic resistance transfer), increase in energy yields and efficient nutrient recovery (e.g. phosphorus).

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950

Duration from 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2812A.

As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's initiative "Change through innovation in the region", the "Physics for Food" project has set itself the task of investigating and establishing possible alternatives to chemical processes using physical methods. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health, as well as in the processing of crops and fodder plants are being investigated. (Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org

The lead project "Physics for Seed Treatment", led by the INP, builds on the experience gained in the first funding phase of the overall "Physics for Food" project and is now continuing this. Other partners are the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL), NPZ Innovation GmbH and Saatzucht Bauer GmbH & Co KG. The aim is to improve yield and quality assurance in the cultivation of crops while at the same time conserving resources and the environment by using physical technologies to replace or supplement the use of chemical agents such as pesticides in particular. The INP is specifically investigating plasma processes for this purpose. The focus is on 1. the indirect treatment of seeds with plasma-treated air to inactivate harmful seed-borne microorganisms, especially against fungal infestation, on the seed coat and thus reduce the incidence of disease; 2. direct plasma treatment of seeds, also in combination with plant growth-stimulating bacteria, to accelerate germination, improve field emergence and ultimately increase yield. In this way, the project contributes to supporting and promoting agriculture in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and throughout Germany to cultivate arable land more residue-free and to protect and strengthen the production site despite challenges.

Project management:

Dr. Nicola Wannicke
nicola.wannickeinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3846

Duration from 09.12.2022 - 30.05.2024, funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) under the funding code (FKZ) 37898/01-23.

The number of deaths due to infections with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is estimated by the WHO to be around 10 million by 2050. These infectious diseases therefore pose an alarming threat to humans and animals worldwide. With regard to zoonoses in particular, the interaction between animals and humans on the spread of antibiotic resistance must be taken into account in a "One Health" approach. This also requires novel methods with which microorganisms and pharmaceuticals can be removed at the points of release in order to prevent them from spreading in the water cycle. In hospitals in particular, the high and above all unavoidable demand for antibiotics leads to heavily contaminated wastewater.

As part of the study, a flexible on-site process is being developed together with TIA Technologien zur Industrie-Abwasser-Behandlung GmbH to efficiently break down unavoidable microbiological and chemical contaminants - such as those found in hospital wastewater. As part of the cooperation with a hospital and other users, the efficiency of plasma is being compared with other water treatment processes, e.g. UV or ozone. In this way, possible advantages of plasma treatment for decentralized use at so-called hotspots, but also for a 4th purification stage in municipal sewage treatment plants, are to be researched.

Project management:

Dr. Veronika Hahn
veronika.hahninp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3872

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Duration from 01.10.2022 - 30.09.2024, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2813C.

As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's initiative "Change through innovation in the region", the "Physics for Food" project has set itself the task of investigating and establishing possible alternatives to chemical processes using physical methods. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health, as well as in the processing of crops and fodder plants are being investigated. (Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org

The lead project "Physics for Cropping Systems", led by the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, builds on the experience gained in the first funding phase of the overall "Physics for Food" project and is now continuing this. Together with partners from the University of Greifswald and Hanse Agro GmbH, the INP is investigating the possibilities of using plasma-treated water to further strengthen the health and resilience of crops in the event of drought or prolonged wetness. Plasma-treated water is to be used as an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. In particular, the cultivation of lupin is being investigated under controlled environmental conditions in the laboratory or greenhouse, but also in the field in relation to seasonal weather conditions. Now that the possibility of inducing stress tolerance has already been demonstrated in the previous project, physiological processes are to be specifically identified and suitable biochemical markers determined. The results will be used to design the accompanying field trials and thus determine the conditions and effectiveness for later use in practice.

Project management:

Dr. Henrike Brust
henrike.brustinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3971

Duration from 01.09.2022 - 31.08.2025, funded by the European Commission from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) at 101069764.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also exposed the vulnerability of passenger ships, especially cruise ships, to the spread of infectious diseases. For this reason, a total of 26 partners from 12 countries have come together in the Healthy Sailing project, funded by the European Commission and led by the University of Thessaly, to develop innovative, risk- and evidence-based methods in a comprehensive approach to effectively prevent, contain and, in the event of an outbreak, counter the spread of infectious diseases on passenger ships (ferries, cruise ships, expedition ships). To this end, all levels relevant to the health of passengers and crew are to be considered, which includes not only the stay on board but also the stay and exchange in ports. In addition to the development of instructions for action, technical solutions for tracing possible infection routes and for improved disinfection are also being considered in particular and fast decision-making chains are being established using electronic systems with AI support. Within the overall project, the INP is leading the work package on "Measures for the prevention, containment and management of infections". In particular, technical options for monitoring and disinfection are being pursued.

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950

Sponsored by:

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Duration from 01.07.2022 - 30.06.2024, funded by the BMBF under the funding code (FKZ) 031B1259C.

After a successful one-year exploratory phase, a project for the feasibility phase was successfully acquired together with the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN, consortium leader), Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (HSA) and the company PAN-Biotech GmbH as part of the funding measure 'New Products for the Bioeconomy' (IBÖM).

The CellZero project is researching innovative approaches that offer an environmentally and resource-friendly, healthy production of animal protein as an alternative to conventional meat production using farm animals. So-called cell-based meat can be obtained from animal precursor cells using biotechnological methods. The use of plasma technology aims to reduce biological contaminants and replace the use of e.g. antibiotics in the process. As part of the project, the INP is providing suitable plasma systems, investigating their effectiveness and optimizing their technical parameters.

Project management:

Dr. Sybille Hasse
sybille.hasseinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3921

Duration from 1.3.2021 - 31.8.2024, funded by the European Commission through the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 contract number 955431.

In this Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, innovative and sustainable technological approaches in food processing are examined for their scalability in cooperation with industry with 13 partners from 8 countries. Young scientists are given the opportunity to carry out their doctoral theses within an international consortium with guest stays at the partners.

Project management:

Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 458
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.2.2021 - 31.12.2024, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag as part of the BMEL protein plant strategy under the funding code (FKZ) 2818EPS036.

The overall LuzNutz project is concerned with innovative approaches to increasing the cultivation value of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a forage crop. The project is coordinated by the Julius Kühn Institute - Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants (JKI), Gross-Lüsewitz branch. Project partners are the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology e.V. (INP) and Saatzucht Steinach GmbH & Ko KG.

The following project objectives are being pursued:

(i) Determination of the genetic diversity of alfalfa using effective genomic tools (GBS)
ii) Development of intelligent breeding tools (SMART Breeding)
iii) Determination of yield and yield quality in the field
iv) Improvement of resistance and resilience

In subproject iv, the efficiency of cold atmospheric plasma as a seed treatment and of plasma-treated water as a plant strengthening agent and/or plant protection product will be determined.

The breeding improvement of alfalfa will be determined in several locations over two years of cultivation, with both yield and forage quality being documented. Trials on disease resistance are carried out in the laboratory, greenhouse and field. First, direct and indirect plasma treatment of seeds and plants is carried out at laboratory/greenhouse level (2021-2023) to identify beneficial treatment parameters. Subsequently, these parameters will be applied and evaluated on selected anthracnose-infected gene accessions at field level (2022-2023).

Project leader:

Dr. Nicola Wannicke
nicola.wannickeinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3846

Duration from 1.1.2021 - 31.12.2024, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03COV05A.

During the current pandemic, it has been possible to see how the demand for medical supplies, such as respiratory masks, has risen sharply on the one hand, but could not be met at times due to the collapse of global supply chains on the other. In such a situation, the reprocessing and reuse of existing products is of enormous importance. It can bridge the period until new supply chains are established as well as absolute peaks in demand. Ideally, this requires a technology that is largely independent of the supply chains affected by the pandemic.

Disinfecting and sterilizing plasma processes often only require access to a power supply for operation and are therefore ideally suited for use in crisis situations. The low process temperatures enable the treatment of thermolabile products and scaling of the systems to the expected large throughput volumes is already being investigated in the project.

Project management:

Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 458
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

 

Completed projects

Duration from 1.3.2021 - 31.03.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2809A.

The use of agricultural chemicals (herbicides, pesticides) is a prerequisite for the high-yield cultivation of crops and thus a comprehensive supply of affordable food. However, the associated impact on the environment and possible risks for consumers are viewed with concern. As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Change through innovation in the region" initiative, the "Physics for Food" project has therefore set itself the task of investigating and establishing possible alternatives to chemical processes using physical methods. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health, as well as in the processing of crops and fodder plants are being investigated. (Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org

The lead project "Physics for Environment" directly addresses the objectives of the overall project to create the basis for more residue-free and environmentally friendly agriculture and agricultural production. The water required for many work steps and production processes should either be discharged into the environment almost residue-free or returned to the water cycle. Effective disinfection is also crucial for successful water recovery. Together with the INP, Harbauer GmbH, Berlin, and Power Recycling Energyservice GmbH, Neubrandenburg, are building a test facility at the Cosun Beet Company & Co KG site in Anklam to validate various physical water treatment methods. In addition to these funded partners, other end users (ABiTEP GmbH, Berlin, Braumanufaktur Ludwigslust, WF Milch GmbH, Freyenstein) are participating by granting access to their production facilities and actively supporting investigations into their specific fields of application. The experience gained will be used to explicitly derive technologies that respond to the needs of agricultural businesses, e.g. the treatment of spray agent residues or field run-off water.

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950

Duration from 1.1.2021 - 31.12.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2808D.

In the funding area WIR! - Change through innovation in the region, the project WIR! Physics for Food - Transfer, Procedures & Permissions (TPP) project, the above sub-project involves the development and operation of demonstrators based on cold plasma processes for use in agricultural production. The test facilities are used to produce both plasma-treated water for use in crop protection and plasma-generated process gases for seed treatment.

Project management:

Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 458
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 15.11.2020 - 14.11.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) under the funding code (FKZ) 281C104G.

Zoonoses pose a risk to the consumption of many foods. For meat products, Salmonella and Campylobacter are the most important pathogens in Germany and the EU. The overarching "KontRed" project, led by Freie Universität Berlin, is therefore working with 15 other partners from research and industry to develop and establish technologies and processes to reduce the occurrence and transmission of zoonotic microorganisms and increase food safety at a key point in the poultry and pig food chain: the slaughter and processing stage. The overriding objective is to optimize and control existing processes and procedures and, in addition, to implement new technical procedures from a hygienic point of view in order to reduce the contamination with zoonotic pathogens at the end of the slaughter line. This will improve the safety of poultry meat and pork products and strengthen consumer confidence in the long term. The specific aim of the sub-project of the Institute of Food Hygiene at the University of Leipzig together with the INP is the development and optimization of plasma-based processes for the inactivation of Campylobacter and Salmonella on loose and pre-packaged poultry meat. The challenge here is to determine suitable technical parameters (e.g. working gas, exposure time) for pathogen reduction. Furthermore, various technologies for generating the plasma are being investigated in order to enable optimal treatment options with regard to the parameters mentioned.

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950

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Duration from 1.4.2020 - 31.12.2021, funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) under contract number 35257/01-32.

Microalgae are considered a promising resource for many renewable raw materials. Various ingredients are of great interest as a supplier of high-quality proteins, as food supplements, natural colorants or as raw materials for cosmetic and medical products. However, the extraction of these substances is currently still usually associated with high costs. For many of the more interesting ingredients, the temperature increase during treatment and processing must be kept as low as possible, as they are not thermally stable. For this reason, chemical processes have mostly been used for digestion up to now, although these are questionable in terms of their environmental impact due to the solvents required.

Together with the Institut für Getreideverarbeitung (IGV) GmbH, the INP is therefore further developing an environmentally friendly and active ingredient-friendly plasma technology that has already proven promising in preliminary work. In this process, the cell walls of the algae become porous via shock waves generated directly by pulsed discharges in the algae suspension, allowing the ingredients to escape. In principle, this eliminates the need for freezing or treatment with enzymes as well as the use of solvents. In the future, the process is to be transferred to other types of algae and products.

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen F. Kolb
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950

Duration from 1.4.2020 - 31.7.2021, funded by the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) under funding code (FKZ) 16KN082129.

The use of handrails and handrails is associated with a not inconsiderable risk of infection because their surfaces are touched by a large number of people within a very short time, but permanent and effective disinfection is practically impossible. For this reason, the INP and its partners are developing a solution for the regular automatic disinfection of handrails and railings using atmospheric plasma as part of the project. This is done using a compact, battery-operated disinfection applicator that moves along the handrail and treats the surface with plasma, reliably destroying any germs present. In addition to its effectiveness, even under difficult conditions when the holding bar is dirty, the focus is on reliability and safety aspects for research and development. The unattended operation of the system in potentially direct contact with people poses a challenge here, in addition to aspects such as humidity and temperature fluctuations. By optimizing a dielectrically impeded discharge (DBE) for use in a compact, mobile applicator, the basis for an advanced disinfection solution under these conditions is created. Together with an adapted control and regulation system and a pinch-proof and crush-proof drive concept, the essential components for a plasma applicator are being developed. This should be significantly superior to existing methods for reducing the risk of infection from handrails and handrails.

Project management:

Dr. Robert Bansemer
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3976
robert.bansemerinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 01.02.2020 - 31.01.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 13N15206.

Laser cutting enables fast, precise cutting or engraving of numerous materials and is ideal for individual production in small quantities. In recent years, cheaper and more readily available hardware components have helped laser cutters - similar to 3D printers - to move from the industrial sector to the mass market, where they are used as desktop devices by tech-savvy private individuals ("makers") in particular, but also by other professional groups (e.g. model making in architecture). However, use by non-professionals requires improved safety precautions - the user must be protected not only from the laser radiation, but also from the toxic gases and respirable particles produced. However, the filters currently in use do not retain all gases completely and need to be changed more frequently. In addition, plastics in particular can sometimes produce corrosive gases that damage the laser cutter itself. It is therefore currently mainly up to the user to ensure their own safety and that of the device.

In the "SafeCutter" project, together with a manufacturer of desktop laser cutters (Mr Beam Lasers GmbH), several innovative safety components are being investigated and developed to close this technological gap: laser-based material identification to detect potentially hazardous materials, a plasma-catalytic process to break down and filter pollutants that were previously difficult to retain and an electrostatic separation of particles implemented in the process. The INP also draws on many years of expertise in the field of plasma-based pollutant degradation and its own patent. The particular challenge is the technical implementation of the safety features with the most cost-effective hardware possible. The result should be a system suitable for the mass market that enables the safe and user-friendly operation of desktop laser cutters indoors.

Project video: bit.ly/3LpaSTN

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kolb
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3950
juergen.kolbinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 7.1.2020 - 31.10.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2806C.

The use of agricultural chemicals (herbicides, pesticides) is a prerequisite for the high-yield cultivation of crops and thus a comprehensive supply of affordable food. However, the associated environmental impact and possible risks for consumers are viewed with concern. Despite their use, crop yields are suffering due to more frequent droughts and flooding. As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Change through innovation in the region" initiative, the "Physics for Food" project has therefore set itself the task of investigating possible alternatives to chemical processes using physical methods. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health, as well as in the processing of crops and fodder plants are being investigated. (Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org

The lead project "Physics for Crops", led by the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, directly addresses the objectives of the overall project by looking at UV treatment and plasma-treated water as possible alternatives to pesticides. The sub-project of the INP also focuses on studies using plasma-treated water (PBW), which is applied to the growing plants to accelerate growth and make plants less sensitive to environmental stress conditions (drought, waterlogging) and thus ultimately increase crop yields. To this end, the application of PBW under controlled conditions in the laboratory (climate cabinets) is accompanied by targeted field trials for the cultivation of barley, rapeseed and lupin. As a partner, the University of Greifswald is contributing further biochemical analyses. Partners for the field trials are Hanse-Agro GmbH and Agrarconcept Schneider GmbH. The investigations are closely supported by the sub-project "WIR! - Physics for Food - Research and Development of CAP Demonstrators" in which concepts for scaling plasma sources to provide larger quantities of PBW are being developed.

Project management:

Dr. Henrike Brust
henrike.brustinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3971

Duration from 7.1.2020 - 31.10.2023, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the funding code (FKZ) 03WIR2805A.

The use of agricultural chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, fungicides) is a prerequisite for the high-yield cultivation of crops and thus a comprehensive supply of affordable food. However, the associated environmental impact and possible risks for consumers are viewed with concern. As the associated options for treating seeds with fungicides are becoming increasingly limited, the question of alternative methods to protect the seeds being sown is being raised. As part of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Change through innovation in the region" initiative, the "Physics for Food" project has therefore set itself the task of investigating possible alternatives to chemical processes using physical methods. In various lead projects, possibilities for seed treatment, for the promotion of plant growth and health, as well as in the processing of crops and fodder plants are being investigated. (Further information on the overall project and the individual lead projects can be found here: physicsforfood.org

The lead project "Physics for Seeds", led by the INP, directly addresses the objectives of the overall project by investigating direct plasma treatments as well as plasma-treated air for seed processing. The aim is to investigate how phytopathogenic seed-borne pathogens can be reduced while maintaining seed vitality, especially in barley, rapeseed and lupin. An alternative to chemical dressing is thus being pursued. Results are also being pursued that suggest an increase in the germination capacity and vigor of the seeds through plasma treatment. Both are crucial for rapid and healthy field emergence, which is ultimately reflected in yields. In this context, symbioses of the treatment with the bacteria that adhere to the seeds and promote plant growth are also considered. In addition to laboratory trials, the treated seeds are also sown explicitly in field trials. Partners from the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Ceravis AG, NPZ Innovation GmbH and Saatzucht Bauer GmbH & Co. KG together. In addition, a close cooperation with the lead project sub-project "WIR! - Physics for Food: Physics for Crops" to track plant growth after sowing.

Project management:

Dr. Nicola Wannicke
nicola.wannickeinp-greifswaldde
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3846

Duration from 15.10.2019 - 14.12.2022, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) under the funding code (FKZ) 2816IP005.

SPLASH is the first project to be funded by the German Innovation Partnership for Agriculture (DIP). In this area of innovation research, projects are funded that already have a high degree of technological maturity at the outset (at least TRL 5). Based on the pilot plant of the "safefresh" project, a plant in the medium performance range of industrial plants is now being built, which is based on a plasma-based washing process for fresh-cut salads. This plant will be integrated into the production process of a fresh-cut manufacturer and tested under production conditions (TRL 7). Based on the ongoing investigations, a consultation procedure will be initiated with the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) to determine the novel food status.

Project management:

Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 458
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.10.2019 - 30.9.2021, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) under the funding code (FKZ) ZF4037007RE9.

Since many flammable or highly flammable gases, such as natural gas or welding gas, do not have a significant inherent odor, odor-intensive substances are added to them. These warn people in the event of an unwanted gas leak. In gas pressure control and measuring systems with odorization devices, unwanted emissions of odour warning substances occur due to weather conditions. This is harmful to people and the environment and also triggers false alarms. The odorants are not biodegradable and are harmful to aquatic organisms. Up to now, activated carbon filters have been used to contain the odor. This solution is not optimal, as the activated carbon becomes saturated after a certain load and the odorous substances slip out. Against this background, there is a need for a better solution that not only filters out the odorous substances but also breaks them down. Non-thermal plasmas have shown that they are able to oxidize volatile hydrocarbons and other odorous substances. The project is investigating the effect of plasma treatment on practically relevant odorants and developing an approach for use in odorization facilities.

Project management:

Prof. Dr. Ronny Brandenburg
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3818
brandenburginp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.10.2019 - 30.9.2023, funded by the Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz e.V. ("Leibniz-Gemeinschaft") as part of the Leibniz Science Campus "Synergistic combination of heterogeneous-, homogeneous- and biocatalysis for sustainable chemicals and energy carriers production from renewable resources" (under the leadership of the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis e.V.) under the funding code (FKZ) W10/2018.

The ComBiCat science campus is dedicated to the societal transition away from fossil resources towards a more sustainable and cleaner production of chemical raw materials from renewable sources through the use of catalytic processes as a key technology. In the INP project, enzymes are to be investigated as catalysts in interaction with a non-thermal plasma as a new approach for the conversion of CO2. The enzymes are immobilized on a carrier and the plasma is used as a substitute for cofactors for the material conversion. The process basically requires a humid working environment, which raises fundamental questions about the operation of the plasma and, above all, reaction products obtained in the liquid phase, e.g. as energy storage, are of great interest.

Project management:

Dr. Volker Brüser
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3808
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 01.08.2018 - 31.01.2021, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the funding code (FKZ) TBI-V-247-VBW-86.

Farm manure and biomass from prunings or organic waste are processed in biogas plants. In 2014, the contribution to total electricity generation in MV amounted to 15 percent. A total of 540 biogas plants with an electrical output of around 300 megawatts were connected to the grid in the state. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 11.3 million tons of untreated cattle manure and 2.2 million tons of untreated pig manure are produced each year and, in addition, millions of tons of solid manure are emitted each year from livestock farming, which is becoming increasingly intensive. There is an enormous need for treatment and emission avoidance here. According to the current state of the art, only 65%-90% of the organic content (depending on the substrate) is digested in most biogas plants, the rest remains unused. The aim of the project was to develop a completely new combination of ultrasound and cold plasma technology for the treatment of suspensions containing substances of biological origin or biomass.

For the combination with ultrasonic sources for biomass treatment, two different plasma sources such as spark discharge and alternatively microwave discharge were developed and tested. With both arrangements, discharges could be generated in liquid media or biomass. In investigations into the treatment of biomass and sodium carbomethoxicellulose on a laboratory scale, viscosity measurements with both the spark discharge and the microwave discharge showed that degradation reactions take place. In the second phase of the project, the project partner PRE Power, Recycling, Energyservice GmbH constructed a demonstrator with a capacity of 40 liters, which contains two industrial ultrasonic sources. A microwave source was used on this demonstrator. The tests showed that the plasma treatment significantly increased the COD values of slurry fermentation residues. This was particularly evident in batch tests.

The feasibility of treating biomass on an application-relevant scale and coupling it with ultrasonic sources was successfully demonstrated. Further work should focus on increasing the power of the microwave source.

Project management:

Dr. Volker Brüser
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 3808
brueserinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.7.2018 - 30.6.2021, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) under the funding code (FKZ) 281A107216.

In this project, the cleaning and disinfection of food contact surfaces in production is being investigated using the example of conveyor belts for both plant and animal soiling together with partners from research and industry.

Project management:

Dr. Jörg Ehlbeck
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 458
ehlbeckinp-greifswaldde

Duration from 1.2.2016 - 31.7.2018, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) under the funding code (FKZ) 16KN035932.

The risk of contracting a pathogen in hospital when the body is weakened by the consequences of an operation or illness is not insignificant. The German Society for Hospital Hygiene estimates that 900,000 infections and 30,000 to 40,000 deaths occur in Germany every year. Respiratory and urinary tract infections, but also wound infections and sepsis, occur most frequently in those affected.

The triggers are not always inadequate hygiene processes in hospitals; germs are often introduced by patients or visitors. Against this background, the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) in Greifswald, the medical technology company Pneumatik Berlin, the Berlin-based ZeSys e.V. and the company Haustechnik Bachmann from Steinberg in Saxony have developed an intelligent, modular room air system for operating theatres as part of the joint project "PlasClean", the heart of which is a special plasma stage. The effectiveness of this already patented decontamination process was demonstrated in laboratory experiments as well as in a pilot plant under real conditions.

Using modified electrode plates, between which dielectrically impeded discharges are generated, the researchers were able to significantly reduce the contamination of the room air with microorganisms. Chemical substances can also be broken down in this way. The DIN requirements for intensive care areas were taken into account in all tests: The plasma cleaned the exhaust air even at the prescribed high air turnover rates. The concept is also future-oriented for other areas of application and can be transferred to clean rooms, laboratories, animal stables or food logistics. The plasma level is scalable, which means that an even higher reduction of microorganisms can be achieved. However, the technical feasibility must be researched as part of further projects.

Project management:

Dr. Manfred Kettlitz
Phone: +49 3834 - 554 414
kettlitzinp-greifswaldde

Publications


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