Successful participation in the €99 bioreactor competition
At the €99 Bioreactor Competition, organized by the Dresden Bioprocess Engineering Network at TU Dresden, biotechnology students were able to demonstrate remarkable achievements for the third time in a row. Among the eight university teams from all over Germany, they once again achieved one of the top three places. After 2nd place in 2019 and 3rd place in 2022, they were awarded 3rd place again this year.
This year's task was particularly challenging: a low-cost bioreactor (€99) with maximum yield and minimum power consumption was to be developed. To this end, the enzyme phytase was to be produced using the yeast Blastobotrys adeninivorans. This enzyme mobilizes phosphate from the plant storage substance phytic acid, which cannot be broken down by animals or humans. The addition of phytase to plant-based livestock feed reduces the necessary addition of inorganic phosphate and ultimately reduces the phosphate concentration in the resulting manure. This not only reduces the costs of producing animal feed, but also helps to protect the environment.
The innovative idea of the HSZG university team, led by coach Dipl.-Ing. Toni Baloun, was to use energy from hydropower, which is available right on their doorstep in the Zittau Mountains. A simple and robust tilting mechanism was used to mix and aerate the bioreactor without the use of electrically driven motors and pumps. Only the temperature control, which consists of a heating element from a 3D printer, and the control electronics require electrical energy.
Poster: The entire process from idea development to implementation - Download now!
In addition to the winning concept, the creative ideas of the other participating teams were also impressive, such as a bioreactor that was heated by surrounding compost or the model from the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, which took first place thanks to energy-saving bubble column aeration and gravimetric feeding through an infusion bag.
The competition also provided an excellent platform for the exchange of specialist knowledge and networking. In addition to two specialist lectures on the topic, the students enjoyed the subsequent summer party, which further fueled their enthusiasm for science and innovation.
Overall, the €99 bioreactor competition was a successful event that allowed students to put their acquired knowledge into practice with passion.
Congratulations to the outstanding team!
Students: Vivien Adolf, Josephine Arnold [not in the photos], Friderike Kittler, Lukas Liebke, Lukas Wilke and supervisor Dipl.-Ing. Toni Baloun
In our Bachelor's degree program, you will receive a broad education in molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry and much more. Biotechnology has developed into a key technology of the future, playing a decisive role in various areas such as medical drug production, environmental biotechnology and alternative energy sources.
With our practice-oriented teaching methods and sound basic knowledge, we prepare you optimally for a successful career. Become part of a dynamic community of researchers and innovators and actively shape the future. Unleash your potential in Molecular Biotechnology at the HSZG!
