Microbial biofilm-based hybrid living materials for continuous production of chemicals and microbial proteins

Title: Microbial biofilm-based hybrid living materials for continuous production of chemicals and microbial proteins

Speaker: Dr Rohan Karande (Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig)

Abstract: Transitioning from petrochemical processes to microbial-based production requires cost-effective, sustainable technology platforms for producing value-added products. Microbial biofilms can achieve high cell densities, tolerate process stressors, and support continuous operation. This presentation highlights the unique advantages of highly porous materials for embedding, cultivating, and enhancing biofilms, enabling scalable hybrid living materials (HLMs) for the continuous production of chemicals and microbial proteins.

Bio: Rohan Karande is a chemical and biochemical engineer leading a research group at the Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig. He studied chemical engineering at Shivaji University, India, and biochemical engineering at TU Dortmund University, where he completed his doctorate in 2012 on microreactors for biocatalytic reactions. Following postdoctoral work at TU Dortmund and the UFZ, he led a junior research group in Leipzig from 2021. His work develops productive biofilms and hybrid living materials for continuous bioprocesses, spanning lignin-derived adipic acid, photosynthetic production, and electrobiotechnology. He coordinates the M.ERA-NET projects LivMat and REPLACER and serves on the steering committee of the DFG priority programme Productive Biofilms.