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Technical University of Munich

Mixotrophic gasfermentations and bioelectrocatalytical CO2 conversion with Clostridium ragsdalei

Irina Schwarz, Dissertation Technische Universität München, 2026

Microbial CO2 conversion needs electrons, which can be provided in various ways. In controlled batch processes in a stirred-tank bioreactor, C. ragsdalei could simultaneously utilize CO, CO2, and H2 at low CO concentrations. The mixotrophic conversion of either CO with formate or D-xylose enabled the production of ethanol, 2,3-butanediol, and 2-hydroxyisovalerate. In a novel bioelectrocatalytical reactor with C. ragsdalei in the cathode chamber, CO2 and electrons were converted to acetic acid.

Publications
  • Schwarz I, Rupp M, Frank O, Daschner A, Weuster-Botz D (2024): (S)-2-hydroxyisovalerate production from D-xylose with CO converting Clostridium ragsdalei. Fermentation 10: 546.
  • Schwarz I, Angelina A, Hambrock P, Weuster-Botz D (2024): Simultaneous formate and syngas conversion boosts growth and product formation by Clostridium ragsdalei. Molecules 29: 2661.
  • Schwarz I, Rieck A, Mehmood A, Bublitz R, Bongers L, Weuster-Botz D, Fellinger T-P (2024): PEM electrolysis in a stirred-tank bioreactor enables autotrophic growth of Clostridium ragsdalei with CO2 and electrons. ChemElectroChem 11: e202300344.
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