Microbial physiology
To help create a sustainable circular economy, the researchers at Microbial physiology investigate the physiology of the anaerobic microorganisms.
We study the physiology of the anaerobic microorganisms and anaerobic microbial communities (natural or synthetic) that play an important role or have potential for application in sustainable circular economy approaches. This includes:
- isolation, characterisation, and application of novel anaerobes with biotechnological application potential
- study of metabolic microbial interactions in natural systems (e.g. syntrophy in anaerobic digesters) and in constructed synthetic communities
- microbial conversions of one-carbon compounds (CO2, CO, formate, methanol, CH4) to added-value products
- anoxic respiration with sulfur compounds for metal recovery
- chemolithotrophic processes on solid surfaces.
In-depth insight into the metabolic pathways is obtained by combining cultivation approaches with proteome and transcriptome analyses.
Contact us
Research themes
Bacterial genetics
We study thermophilic bacteria and archaea, from their metabolism to CRISPR-Cas which defends them against viruses. In addition, we develop genome editing tools and optimise protein expression.
Microbial evolution
Within this theme, we focus on exploring and characterizing the microbial diversity that exists on our planet and how this diversity came about.
Microbial physiology
To help create a sustainable circular economy, we investigate the physiology of the anaerobic microorganisms.
Molecular ecology
Research and education within the Microbial Ecology Group aims to understand and explore the functioning of microorganisms in natural and man-made ecosystems, including interdependencies with their living and non-living environments.