Zoë Noll

As part of the FUNGAS project, the RUBICON reactor has been developed as a novel cultivation system for anaerobic fungi (AF), although it has not yet been fully commissioned and process-validated. This bachelor’s thesis focuses on ensuring the technical functionality of the reactor and improving the cultivation conditions for anaerobic fungi.

Anaerobic fungi naturally occur in the rumen of ruminants and play an important role in the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. Through mechanical penetration of plant material and the production of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes, they support biomass breakdown. Since hydrolysis is often the rate-limiting step in conventional biogas plants, the targeted use of anaerobic fungi or their enzymes could improve biogas production efficiency.

The aim of this work is to better understand the growth requirements of anaerobic fungi within the RUBICON reactor and to establish stable process conditions for semi-continuous cultivation and long-term enzyme production.