AVT-Enzyme Process Technology

Previously a working group within the AVT.BioVT, the Enzyme Process Technology (AVT.EPT) Chair headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Antje Spieß has become a new independent and integral member of the Aachener Verfahrenstechnik (AVT) since October 2010.

The AVT.EPT’s primary focus is on the study of enzyme-catalyzed processes. This may range from basic research topics such as the mechanistic description of the interactions between the enzyme and the reaction medium to the interaction of reaction networks for the application of reactor design and integrated enzymatic processes.

Due to their selective catalytic effect, enzymes have an immense industrial potential in the field of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical products as well as bulk chemicals and fuels. Unlike conventional catalysts, enzymes are not only environmentally friendly and economically efficient, but may also offer a wide range of new synthetic routes. In the context of changing raw materials from petrochemicals to renewable resources, the use of selective biocatalytic processes is becoming an increasingly important key factor for sustainability.

Industry and publicly funded research projects within the AVT.EPT can be categorized thematically into three groups. One group includes projects relating to the Cluster of Excellence “Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB)”, which addresses the enzymatic conversion of lignin and cellulose to new platform chemicals. Another focus is on the development and study of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in various reactor types and reaction media. The third group focuses on the modeling of reaction kinetics for a rational, quantitative understanding of enzyme-catalyzed processes. They are an essential prerequisite for the optimization of these processes.

There is a new impetus regarding the work of the AVT.EPT department in cooperation with the DWI at RWTH Aachen University e.V., which focuses on the control and design of enzyme-catalyzed reactions with responsive materials such as functional polymers.