DNA-Methyltransferasen und AdoMet-Analoga als Werkzeuge für die Molekularbiologie und Biotechnologie

For a long time, DNA methyltransferases were of particular interest for basic molecular biology research since they regulate important processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Since the development of synthetic analogs of the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine, it has been possible to transfer not only methyl groups but also numerous functional groups to DNA in a sequence-specific manner. Due to their structure, some DNA methyltransferases exhibit remarkable promiscuity with respect to the cofactor, so that DNA labeling can succeed with good efficiency. In this review article, we summarize the important developments in this field and discuss interesting current and potential applications in molecular biology and biotechnology.     

Membranbasierte Bereitstellung von CO2 für die dezentrale Algenproduktion in einer Bioenergiefassade

This study emphasizes the importance of a sustainable energy supply with regard to climate change. A way is shown how a de-centralized heat supply in urban areas with renewable energies can be combined with algae production. The decentrally generated CO₂ emissions are made usable for biomass production by means of membrane separation technology. The operating behavior of the CO₂-selective membrane materials was observed over an operating period of almost 10 years. This provides solid evidence of the operability of the polymer membrane and membrane module technology. It enables further optimization of the separation process for future applications, also in a wider range of applications.     

Low-Cost Membranen für die Vanadium-Redox-Flow-Batterie

Reinforced proton exchange membranes (gPEM) are fabricated by coating a polymer suspension onto a polymer mesh. The polymer suspension contains solved poly(ether sulfone) (PES) and dispersed poly(styrene). The poly(styrene) is cross linked, sulfonylated and sulfonated. By using a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) mesh with a thickness of 128 µm higher proton conductivities were measured compared to Selemion CMVN and Nafion N115 at 25 °C. An energy efficiency of 68.6 % was measured with Nafion N115, an energy efficiency of 53.1 % with CMVN and an energy efficiency of 69.4 % with a fabricated reinforced membrane at a current density of 100 mA cm⁻² in a vanadium redox flow cell.     

Biologische Methanisierung als innovative Energiespeichertechnologie für den Einsatz auf Biogasanlagen

The process of biological methanation in bubble column reactors was established in single reactors and cascade by the joint research project BioStore (SAB, FKZ: 100310024). In order to increase the efficiency of the process, energy-intensive components such as agitators or gas separation were not used as far as possible. Furthermore, the gas injection system was optimized as a performance-determining component in order to maximize conversion and methane rate. As a result, methane content of over 96 vol % and a methane formation rate of 2 L/(L × d) were achieved in continuous operation. This fulfils a technical requirement for direct injection into the natural gas grid.     

Keramische Membrantechnologie für die Verfügbarmachung biogener Stoffströme

Within the scope of this research work, an efficient membrane-based process with ceramic ultrafiltration membranes was developed for the recovery of purified lignosulfonates from the spent sulfite liquor of chemical wood pulping. The aim was to separate the lignosulfonates from low-molecular organic impurities (sugar, carboxylic acids, etc.) and process chemicals, to concentrate them, and to make them available for a targeted further use. One further aspect of the project was the separation of the products (target molecules) of lignosulfonate degradation using ceramic membrane technology.     

Verbesserte Hydrophilie von Hohlfasermembranen mittels funktionalisierter Trennschicht für die Ultrafiltration

Dual layer hollow fiber membranes, based on poly(ether sulfone), were fabricated to achieve hydrophilic membranes with improved fouling resistance. A new triblock copolymer, consisting of two hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) blocks and an inner poly(ether sulfone) block, was chosen for the functionalization of the inner layer. The most promising membrane of this study was characterized by an improved hydrophilicity, and a performance in the ultrafiltration studies of 2000 L m⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹ and retention of 100 kDa.     

Herausforderungen in der Membranentwicklung für die Fruchtsaftklarfiltration – vom Labor in die Produktion

For fining/clarification of apple juices, an ultrafiltration polyethersulfone tubular membrane has been used successfully for many years. However, this membrane is not suitable for filtration of dark fruit juices, as some natural dyes are also rejected. In order to be able to open up a new market, a tubular membrane based on polyvinylidene fluoride has to be developed that does not discolor dark juices but retains turbidity. The steps from the general understanding of fruit juice clarification, through laboratory tests, to field-testing's of finished membrane modules are briefly described.     

Vergleich von Berechnungsmethoden des TUM-WelChem-Zellenmodells für die Querverteilung in Füllkörperschüttungen

Liquid maldistribution is simulated with the TUM-WelChem cell model for a Ø1,2 m packed column and compared with experimental data. The packing types Raflux ring 50-5 metal, Hiflow® ring 50-6 plastic and RVT metal saddle ring 50-4 are investigated. Two calculation methods for lateral dispersion on each cell layer are used in the model: a sequential and a simultaneous method. A parity analysis and the interpretation of the relative deviation of the calculations from the experimental results provide insights into the assumptions and validity of the model.     

Bildung 4.0: Herausforderungen für die Aus- und Fortbildung

The digital transformation as well as the changes leading towards a “new work” world create huge challenges regarding the education and life-long learning of process engineers. Higher education institutions and lecturers do not only have to deal with all the new opportunities and changes for themselves but need to take the specifics and expectations of the future digital natives student generation into account. Likewise, industry needs to substantially foster and increase their life-long learning offers for the workforce to safeguard employability as well as competitiveness.     

Sonne oder Wind: Was ist die bessere Energiequelle für Power-to-X

Investment costs dominate almost completely the cost of generating electrical power and the subsequent product X (e.g., hydrogen) based on renewable energy. Duration load curves (DLC) of power generation are needed to compare the economics of different process chains for power generation and utilization. A method for photovoltaic plants has been developed to compare them with the published DLC of wind power plants. The hydrogen product costs as well as the power generation costs have been calculated for two models each. In Germany, onshore wind power plants provide the most cost competitive hydrogen. Even if the power generated by the largest wind power and PV plants in Germany would be completely used for hydrogen production, it could only over a small fraction of the expected hydrogen demand.     

Phasenwechselmaterial in Kugelkapseln für thermische Hybridspeicher

Heat and cold storage systems of buildings are based on different concepts of heat transfer. In thermal hybrid storage systems, the phase change material (PCM) is macroencapsulated in PCM objects which are positioned in the storage tank and around which the heat transfer fluid flows. The experimental investigations are dedicated to the loading and unloading properties of the PCMs macroencapsulated in spheres. It is shown that the specific heat transfer performance of a hybrid storage tank is directly dependent on the size of the spheres as well as on the specific thermal conductivity of the PCM.     

J-Park Simulator: Wissensgraph für Industrie 4.0

This article introduces ontologies, Knowledge Graphs, agents and their role in the context of Industry 4.0. The importance of interoperability of agents in cross-domain scenarios using the J-Park Simulator (JPS), which is part of the Knowledge Graph ( www.theworldavatar.com ) is shown. The dispersion of air pollutants from a power plant situated in Berlin is investigated with the help of JPS. The article describes how interoperability between agents in cross-domain scenarios can be achieved and discusses related open problems.