Research projects (edited: 18.08.2021)
Project member:
2017-present · Development of a non-hormonal contraceptive, in cooperation with Cirqle Biomedical (Denmark): Studies of the modification of cervical mucus with polymers, the penetration of spermatozoa through the mucus and the polymers biocompatibility. Learn more here.
Consulting for Cirqle Biomedical: Validation of the sheep as model for further in vivo tests of a contraceptive formulation at INRA, Nouzilly, France
Patents:
2021 · A vaginal contraceptive composition for reinforcement of the cervical mucus barrier properties (submitted)
2021 · A vaginal contraceptive composition for reinforcement of mucus barrier properties, WO2021069046A1, EP3804695A1
Granted projects:
2021-present · Co-leader of consortium project: A physiological approach of mucus-based sperm selection to improve assisted reproductive treatment success rates. (650 kSEK, KTH and Region Stockholm, Sweden)
Consulting for Nidacon International AB: Stability and compatibility studies on medical devices.
2017-2020 · Project initiator/proposal author/advisor of consortium project BioKat: Biocatalysts in biogas processes: monitoring, regulation and multicriteria optimization of biogas processes. (600 kEUR, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany)
Subproject I – Investigations on the application, conversion and impact of endogenous and applied biocatalysts in bioreactors for a multicriteria optimization. (300 kEUR)
2015-2017 · Project coordinator of consortium project MikroKoll: Micronized Collagen - Health-supporting applications of micro-structured collagen. (250 kEUR, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany)
Project leader of Subproject I – Chemical cross-linking of soluble collagen into stabile microstructures. (125 kEUR)
Achievements: A novel biomaterial with anti-inflammatory properties has been generated on a laboratory scale. The fibrous precipitation of collagens and the cross-linking with EDC and GA in aqueous solutions could be demonstrated for the first time by rheological methods. A protocol for the measurement of fibril formation and cross-linking was established.
2012-2015 · Project leader: Subproject IV of consortium project ELAST-2P – Innovative strategies for the utilization of by-products from a two-phase biogas module for the use of the whole plant. (400 kEUR, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany)
Achievements: It could be demonstrated that polymer-/fibre-rich by-products of a two-phase biogas module can substitute growth substrate of industrial mushroom production (Shiitake) up to 40% as well as enhance the flavor and vitamin concentration and thus contribute to resource efficiency, sustainability and human health.
A novel fungal enzyme preparation made of by-products from Shiitake cultivation could significantly improve the molecular sources for methane production in one-step and two-step, laboratory anaerobic digestions. The follow-up project BIOKAT (2017-2020) focus e.g. on the transfer of the results to technical processes to go one step forward in product development.
2012-2014 · Project leader: Development of a biologic-technological process (premix) for sustainable reduction of deoxynivalenol (DON) and further mycotoxins in contaminated cereals. (250 kEUR, Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg, Germany)
2009-2012 · Project leader: Subproject I of consortium project FABES-Modul – Biocatalytic degradation of renewable raw materials. (300 kEUR, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany)
Achievements: A novel enzyme preparation could be developed for one-step anaerobic processes and hence a protocol for the generation established under usage of by-products from industrial mushroom production. The preparation was patented 2010 for the application in biogas processes and awarded in 2012 with the Biogas Innovation Award of German Agriculture.
Patent
2010 · Enzympräparat zur Stabilisierung und Steigerung der Biogasproduktion (Enzyme preparation for stabilization and enhancement of biogas production), DE 20 2010 006 607.7
2009-2010 · Initiator and member of an industrial project: Test trial KTG Biogas AG (plant Putlitz) – Evaluation of the effect of enzyme addition on performance. In cooperation with KTG Agrar SE, DSM, Biopract GmbH, Technical University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München (German Research Center for Environmental Health). The applied enzyme preparation was sponsored by DSM, Netherland.
Achievements: A commercial enzyme preparation (formerly used in fruit processing) was applied in a manure free, industrial biogas production, which was previously proven as preferred option in laboratory and technical assays during doctoral studies and subsequent research projects. After the trial, the preparation was slightly modified by DSM and named Axiase™ as well as launched onto the market. It is available at DSM and sold all over Europe to enhance the proportion of lignocellulose in anaerobic digestion, lower the viscosity of fermentation media and increase the electricity output. Learn more here.
2008-2009 · Project leader of commercial project - contracted research: Improvement of substrate utilization in biogas plants in consideration of specific enzyme activities. (HF Biotec Berlin GmbH, Germany)
2008-2010 · Project leader: Development of health-promoting feedstuffs for young animals by inclusion of mycotoxins. (300 kEUR, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany)
Further projects:
2005-2008 · Fundamentals of biogas production from plant-based biomass: system analysis of microbiological material conversion under special consideration of the impact of substrate provision, intermediate formation and process control. (2 MEUR, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany)
PhD Fellow: Sub-project 1 – Determination of the impact of enzymatic pretreatment of biogas crops on the process chain of methane formation. (200 kEUR)
Workshops:
2010 · Oral presentation: Lignocellulosic enzyme potential for a more effective methane production by the utilization of fiber rich substrates in the biogas process. Bilateral workshop UNISUL - HU/LGF/IASP: Analysis and evaluation of biomass potentials in urban and peri-urban regions for sustainable food and energy supply. Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Florianopolis, Brazil
2007 · Oral presentation: Enzymatic degradation of lignocellulose during ensiling of rye and maize to increase the methane yield in biogas production processes. In: V Conferencia Internacional de Energía Renovable, Ahorro de Energía y Educación Energética, Programa Resúmenes. V International Conference for Renewable Energy, Energy Saving and Energy Education (CIER). Havanna, Cuba, (ISBN 978‑959‑282‑051‑7), p. 138-139. Workshop on biogas experiences in Cuba and Germany: “Current situation and biogas perspectives in Cuba and Germany”, in the framework of CIER 2007, Havanna, Cuba 2007
