Understanding complex microbial processes for sustainable innovation

How can microorganisms be guided to convert waste streams into valuable products, and which biological and operational factors determine these conversions? These are key questions explored in UNLOCK’s Modular Bioreactor Platform, coordinated by platform manager David Strik. Within this research infrastructure, mixed microbial cultures are cultivated under controlled conditions to produce compounds such as clean water, biobased chemicals, bioplastics, and medium-chain fatty acids. By integrating multiple bioreactors, advanced monitoring tools the Modular Bioreactor Platform enables researchers and industry partners to investigate, characterise, and optimise complex microbial processes for environmental and technological innovation. As Strik explains: “This requires linking different biological processes. That’s exactly what we do in the Modular Bioreactor Platform.”

David Strik

Exploring microbial chain elongation and biobased product formation

As part of our ongoing series highlighting UNLOCK’s research facilities, we take a closer look at the Modular Bioreactor Platform, where microorganisms are being used to turn waste into valuable products and to support sustainable technological development.
In this platform, microorganisms are cultivated and guided to produce compounds such as fatty acids from organic waste streams. Strik explains: “You can see the platform as a facility where researchers and industry can study or apply microorganisms to ultimately improve the environment. We mainly use mixed cultures, starting from waste streams like industrial wastewater or municipal organic waste, and from that we can generate products such as clean water, biobased chemicals or even bioplastics.”

He further clarifies his own research focus: “Here, microorganisms connect carbon molecules, creating medium-chain fatty acids with up to eight carbon chains. These fatty acids can be used directly as animal feed supplements, but they can also be converted into jet fuel.”
“To achieve all this, we connect three bioreactors,” he adds. “In the first process, organic waste is fermented into short-chain fatty acids, such as acetic acid. Parallel to that process, lactate is produced in another bioreactor. In the third process, we combine the fatty acids and the lactate. This is where chain extension occurs, and the microorganisms produce the desired medium-chain fatty acids.”

Up close with the Modular Bioreactor Platform equipment

Monitoring microbial interactions with advanced analytical tools

Studies like Strik’s showcase that working with microbial communities is an opportunity always given within the platform. Researchers can monitor reactions in real time, isolate individual organisms, or analyse them genetically in UNLOCK’s Biodiscovery Platform. “Because we can characterize biological processes on very short timescales, we can see exactly when something changes,” Strik notes. “That allows us to take samples at the most informative moment.”

Understanding these interactions of how microorganisms work together is essential for industries aiming to develop or scale up sustainable bioprocesses. These interactions can be analysed with advanced tools such as the FAIR data platform and high-resolution mass spectrometry, another research infrastructure under UNLOCK’s large-scale open research facilities. “We also have state-of-the-art helophyte filters and (bio)electrochemical reactors.” Strik also highlights an emerging direction: “I’d also like to see if we can measure other ‘low concentration’ metabolites. This would provide even more detailed information about the activity of the microbial population. We recently acquired a high-resolution mass spectroscopy device that we could use for this purpose.”

Hands-on work at the Modular Bioreactor Platform

Open-access facilities supporting innovation

These facilities are open to researchers and companies alike. The platform offers a wide range of reactor types and measurement technologies, and users don’t need extensive expertise to begin. “We support the design and execution of research,” says Strik. “Our goal is to help users develop new ideas and advance innovation.”

He concludes with an invitation: “Come experience what UNLOCK has to offer. Start with a small project or join the summer school. You’ll be immersed in the knowledge and creativity of Wageningen University & Research and Delft University of Technology, a truly valuable experience.”