Research Groups of the Faculty of Technology

Despite significant advances in industrial biotechnology, the development of microbial production processes often remains an iterative and time-consuming process, especially when complex substrates are used or novel target products are sought. The challenge lies not only in the targeted metabolic engineering of suitable production organisms, but also in the integrated development of scalable, resource-efficient processes. Against the backdrop of global sustainability goals and the growing demand for bio-based platform chemicals, there is increasing scientific and economic interest in biotechnological solutions that can replace fossil raw materials.

The Systems Biotechnology group, led by Prof. Till Tiso, is engaged in the integrated development of biotechnological production processes—from the genetic optimization of microbial production strains and the engineering of bioreactor cultivations to the application prospects of the molecules produced. A particular focus is on the use of industrial side streams and waste streams as sustainable carbon sources and on the development of robust production organisms with high genetic stability.

Methodologically, we combine tools from synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, omics technologies, and bioprocess development on various scales (MTP, shake flask, bioreactor). The systemic approach is always at the forefront: production strain, process, and product are conceived and developed simultaneously in order to realize ecologically and economically viable biotechnological processes.

A particular focus is placed on implementing circular value chains through the biotechnological use of unconventional substrates and on using holistic strategies for sustainability assessment. The working group is active within CeBiTec and in various national and international research networks and is also involved in the transfer of biotechnological innovations into industrial applications.