Anaerobic biotechnology

In 2008 a biogas demonstration plant has been built in Rotholz (see section on applied microbiology). The start-up procedure of the biogas plant was optimized based on 75-liter-fermenters and in situ studies. New substrate combinations were tested. At the same time, based on the COMPOCHIP, the development of an ANAEROCHIP for archaea and a BACCHIP for anaerobic bacteria was started. The new microarrays are used in most biogas projects and shall aid in the future the understanding and controlling of biogas plants.