The research team uses both native methylotrophic bacteria, i.e. those that naturally metabolize methanol, and yeasts that cannot actually metabolize methanol. The researchers also keep a constant eye on whether new interesting organisms are discovered and check them for their suitability as "cell factories." But how do these microorganisms actually make the products? And how can we influence what they produce? "In principle, we use the microorganism's metabolism to control product manufacture," explains Fabarius. "To do so, we introduce genes into the microbes that provide the blueprint for certain enzymes. This is also known as metabolic engineering." The enzymes that are subsequently produced in the microorganism catalyze the production of a specific product in turn. In contrast, the researchers specifically switch off genes that could negatively influence this production. "By varying the genes that are introduced, we can produce a wide range of products," Fabarius enthuses.
The research team is working on the entire production chain: starting with the microorganisms, followed by the gene modifications and the upscaling of production. While some manufacturing processes are still at the laboratory stage, other products are already being produced in bioreactors with a capacity of ten liters. As for the industrial application of such processes, Fabarius envisages their implementation in the medium to long term. Ten years is a realistic time horizon, he says. However, pressure on industry to establish new processes is increasing.