Pierre Koch
Bachelor Thesis 2025
BEmploying Avicelase to break down straw:
this enzyme deserves all the heat
This bachelor’s thesis examined the potential of
anaerobic gut fungi to support the breakdown of plant
biomass. Three fungal species were compared with
respect to their growth and enzymatic activity of
avicelase. The results demonstrated clear differences
between fungal strains in both growth behavior and
enzymatic performance, underlining the relevance of
selecting suitable fungal species and enzymes for
improving anaerobic digestion processes and renewable
energy production.
Master Thesis 2025/26
Identification and Characterization of a
novel AGF strain from chamois (Rupicapra
rupicapra)
This Master’s thesis focuses on the morphological,
phylogenetic, and functional characteristics of a newly
isolated anaerobic gut fungal strain. Using DNA
sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the taxonomic
position of the strain will be determined, while
microscopy and staining techniques will be applied to
describe its morphology across growth stages. In
addition, the strain’s ability to utilize different carbon
sources will be assessed. The work will contribute to
the characterization of a novel anaerobic gut fungus.