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    SPP 2389: Verständnis und Steuerung der zellulären Spezialisierung in leitfähigen multizellulären Strukturen
    Conductive biofilms are produced by organisms that flourish in nature using insoluble electron acceptors, such as ferric or manganese oxides, as terminal electron acceptors of their respiratory chain. This conductivity allows cells that are not in direct contact with the electron acceptor to transfer respiratory electrons to neighbouring. The redox potential gradient then guides the electron flow through the matrix towards the point of highest redox potential, which is typically the mineral. Cells within these materials undergo specialization potentially due to: (I) thickness and cell density of the biofilm leading to cell-cell signalling as well as mass transfer limitation of the electron donor from the bulk phase, (II) respiratory electron transfer operating with different kinetics due to increasing resistance with electron transport length, (III) gradients forming, as in the case of pH, leading to growth with different kinetics and (IV) shear force leading to biofilm compression but also necessitating the formation of a stronger extracellular matrix. Currently, it's not understood how these factors influence the development of different regulatory routines that drive cellular specialization. Nevertheless, at a more phenomenological level, we observe these routines as cells construct different conductive structures based on their proximity to the terminal electron acceptor. We also observe that some layers in these conductive biofilms are primarily composed of non-living cells, yet these layers still function as conductive structures. Our goal is to decipher the triggers and regulatory mechanisms within individual cells that lead to the formation of these stable, dynamic conductive biofilm structures. A fundamental understanding of these processes will significantly impact how we perceive these structures in ecosystems, where they can have critically important functions. To reach our goal we will use multiparallel microfluidic bioelectrochemical experiments conducted with reporter strains and will use FACS coupled to transcriptomic analyses to understand regulatory routines. Moreover, we will aim to understand how these conductive biofilms interact conductively with other cells enabling new physiological features.
      16
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    EXC 3120 BlueMat - Research Topic A3: Water Absorption-Driven Nanoporous Materials
    We aim to establish and enhance mechanical actuation based on the reversible switching of soft, water-filled hydrogels in response to external triggers (e.g., pH, ionic strength, electrical potential, CO2). For the first time, we aim to realize such an actuation on both nm- (ligament/pore scale) and mm-scopic levels by embedding soft responsive hydrogels in a hard, porous matrix (np-Au from A2) with responsive hydrogels, thus combining reversible switchability in aqueous media with significant macroscopic response and local controllability. We will focus on cellulose-based hydrogels, known for their inherent responsiveness in aqueous environments [Don21]. The envisioned materials will refine and optimize hydrogel actuation for broader applicability in diverse devices. The precise control of mechanical properties of hydrogels needed for active control of actuation is a challenge: although fundamental mechanisms are understood, there is a lack of research aiming at the predictable control of overall hydrogel actuation, which is necessary to pave the way for the application of these sustainable materials in devices [Che22]. Key scientific questions include: How can we tune hydrogel/wall interactions for optimal integration of hydrogels into a porous metal matrix forming a hybrid material? How can we use engineered biofilm matrix-enzyme interactions to maximize the actuation of hydrogel/metal hybrid systems in response to external stimuli? How can we predict/model the hybrid material response and thus define optimal mechanical actuation?
      43
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    Engineering our Future: Experimentierfeld Campus (LS4)
    Um zukünftige Probleme zu lösen, brauchen wir Ingenieur*innen, die die rasanten technologischen Fortschritte und die komplexe Welt aktiv gestalten können. An technischen Hochschulen ist daher ein Innovationsschub nötig, um die heterogene Studierendenschaft auf die interdisziplinären Anforderungen vorzubereiten. Die Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH) nimmt diese Herausforderung mit ihrem Projekt "Engineering our Future: Experimentierfeld Campus" an. Sie verwandelt ihren Campus in ein lebendiges Experimentierfeld und stellt das praxisorientierte Lernen in den Mittelpunkt der Curricula und Hochschulstrukturen. Unter dem Motto „Engineering to Face Climate Change“ arbeiten Studierende in Projektteams an einer klimafreundlichen Gestaltung des Campus. Durch praktische Erfahrungen lernen die Studierenden konkrete Problemlösung, kritisches Denken und Selbstorganisation. Für Hochschule und Öffentlichkeit wird in einem Campus-Walk ganz praktisch veranschaulicht, welchen wichtigen Beitrag die Ingenieurwissenschaften zur Bewältigung der Klimakrise leisten können. Die Initiative erweitert bestehende innovative Ansätze und Infrastrukturen der Universität. Ein zentraler Aspekt des Projekts ist die Flexibilisierung der Studienstrukturen, etwa durch Blockveranstaltungen in den Curricula, die intensives experimentelles Lernen ermöglichen. Mit ihrem Campuslabor schafft die TUHH eine praxisnahe, interdisziplinäre Lernumgebung, die Lehre mit gesellschaftlichen Zielen verknüpft. Das Institut für Verkehrsplanung und Logistik ist am Projekt ENGINEXT mit dem Leitstudiengang 4 „Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen“, welcher sich in der Entwicklung findet, beteiligt.
      19  5
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    SPP 2494: Productive Biofilm Systems: 2,3-Butandiol production using biofilm clusters bound to magnetic particles
    Despite their potential, several challenges hinder the implementation of biofilm processes in white biotechnology. Key challenges include the unpredictable retention of biomass in biofilms, the absence of established model processes, and limited knowledge about the genetic stability of genetically modified strains in continuous biofilm-based processes. Furthermore, it will be crucial to minimize diffusion limitations in order to successfully optimize biofilm processes. We aim to address these challenges by using the biofilm-based production of the platform chemical 2,3-butanediol as a model process. We seek to develop Shewanella oneidensis biofilms that produce 2,3-butanediol and are bound to magnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles will enable the manipulation of biofilm density, morphology, and movement in response to applied magnetic fields, as well as facilitate the transport of electrons to oxygen-rich areas within the reactor. We also aim to genetically control the properties of the biofilm and stabilize the cells genetically through transposase deactivation. The planned experiments will allow us to answer a series of fundamental questions regarding the application of biofilms in production processes and evaluate engineering solutions for existing problems. We have organized the necessary work into six interconnected work packages (WPs): - WP1: We will develop S. oneidensis strains with a predictable and robust extracellular polymeric matrix, analyzing the surface characteristics of these strains using single-cell force spectroscopy. The cells will be specifically connected to magnetic conductive nanoparticles, which will aid in steering the biofilm architecture using permanent magnets. - WP2: We will enhance genetic stability by deactivating transposases and analyze the correlation between transposase deactivation and production stability. Additionally, we will compare long-term productivity in biofilm and planktonic systems to understand how the form of cell application influences production stability. - WP3: We will improve our robotic infrastructure by integrating a robotic arm that allows for programmable movement of permanent magnets to modulate biofilm architecture, as well as facilitate reproducible placement of the setups on a microscope stage for fluorescence microscopy inspection. - WP4: We will analyze biofilm productivity under different movement regimes of the permanent magnets and investigate methods to increase productivity through modulation of biofilm structure. - WP5: We will utilize Raman micro-spectroscopy to analyze the three-dimensional profile of metabolic activity in the biofilms developed in WP4 and compare overall metabolic productivity with the productivity of 2,3-butanediol. - WP6: We will develop a Raman-assisted cell sorting method that will be coupled with transcriptomic and genomic sequencing approaches to analyze how metabolic activity correlates with the genetic changes that occur over time.
      46
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    SPP 2494: Productive Biofilm Systems: Coordination Funds
    We pursue with this proposal the evidence-based hypothesis that productive biofilm systems will be key for future sustainable bioengineering and bio-based production. Most microorganisms that we know grow in the form of biofilms and everybody is familiar with this ubiquitously distributed live form. Every stone that feels slimy when taking out of a stream or every tooth that feels different before and after brushing the teeth are examples for microorganisms that grow as biofilms on surfaces. Moreover, biofilms composed of pathogenic organisms can be a major threat to human health and it was the motivation from the medical sector that initiated interest in the molecular fundamentals of biofilm formation. In biofilms, microorganisms are typically attached to a surface and occur in high cell density. Also, they are more resilient to growth inhibiting factors which is problematic in the medical context but can be of advantage considering process robustness in biotechnological applications. Although most potential microbial biocatalysts on Earth grow in the form of biofilms and although they can be established in high cell density and can be rather robust life forms, we still operate in biotechnology mainly with planktonic micro-organisms in stirred tank reactor systems. This is also surprising as biofilms have proven in the past that they can be (I) more productive, (II) have higher resilience, and (III) allow easier downstream processing compared to planktonic systems. It is lacking knowledge, experience, and reactor technology that hampers the successful implementation of these systems as new biocatalytic tools in a bio-based economy. Consequently, there is an urgent need in fundamental research to understand applied biofilm catalysts, harness their full potential by metabolic and genetic engineering and apply them in reactor environments that allow competitive space-time-yields in future applications. In Germany, there are numerous research groups in many different disciplines (e.g., engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, physics) conducting research on biofilms. This diverse group of scientists should be addressed to synergistically combine expertise and techniques to focus on Productive Biofilm Systems. The planned priority program will be an excellent tool to enable and foster such an interdisciplinary collaboration. Also, it will train a new generation of scientists and will setup a tailored curriculum for individual methodological communication as well as soft skill training. Moreover, the program has a strong focus on internationalization by collaborating with three centers for biofilm studies located in the UK, USA and Singapore. From this strategy, the priority program will benefit scientifically, and the students will individually benefit by networking with potential partners for future international career steps.
      68
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    Etablierung eines kohlenstoffdioxid- und glukosebasierten Verfahrens zur Herstellung von 2,3- Butandiol mithilfe eines membrangebundenen Biofilms aus zwei bakteriellen Spezies
    Model Predictive Control (MPC) has had substantial impact on industrial control practice in several industrial domains. However, when it comes to distributed cooperative settings, where large-scale networks comprised of dynamic subsystems are to be controlled in multi-agent fashion, its application still faces substantial challenges. Indeed, distributed predictive control requires the reconciliation of performance, communication, and coordination in different dimensions: problem formulation, system-theoretic analysis, and tailored decentralized optimization algorithms. In distributed MPC the cooperation among subsystems is achieved and fostered through consensus about the taken control actions, which is expressed through specific constraints. However, the convergence of the underlying numerical optimization is often slowed down by the need for consensus, i.e., the consensus constraints induce the need for the communication of optimization iterates between the controllers of the individual subsystems. On this canvas, this project rethinks cooperation in distributed MPC from the consensus point of view. That is, we explore new avenues to leverage the anticipation, the reduction, and the scaling of consensus constraints in the design, the system-theoretic analysis, and the algorithmic implementation of distributed cooperative predictive control. Specifically, we develop new methods for the scalable distributed anticipation of the dual variables of the consensus constraints and for the efficient use of these dual predictions in tailored numerical algorithms. Moreover, we investigate the effect of reducing the consensus constraint in time, i.e., instead of requiring consensus to hold over the entire prediction horizon we develop a new framework for closed-loop analysis with a consensus horizon shorter than the prediction horizon. Finally, we also research novel numerical methods for the scaling and the reduction of the consensus constraints, i.e., we create schemes for the distributed computation of pre-conditioners of the consensus constraints and for the dimensionality reduction of the consensus constraints in the dual space. Our findings are validated on case studies from mechatronics and energy systems.
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