ReActoB is developing a new generation of biofilm reactors to make industrial bioprocesses more efficient, sustainable, and scalable. Instead of using traditional suspended microbial cultures in stirred tank reactors, ReActoB will develop aerosol-based biofilm reactors (BRABs). In such systems the catalytically active microbes grow as a three dimensional biofilm on surface structures in a vapour phase. Thereby, medium consumption is significantly reduced.

We will use a model consortium composed of heterotrophic and autotrophic growing microbes, capable of converting cyclohexane to cyclohexanol, an important compound for the chemical industry. The reaction is challenging for microorganisms, since both reactants are toxic and their physicochemical properties make them difficult to handle in a reactor setting.

The project aims to establish stable, productive biofilms and optimize feeding strategies for long-term operation. In addition, optogenetic tools will be applied to precisely control biofilm growth and activity with light.

By combining microbiology, reactor engineering, and sustainability, ReActoB will provide blueprints for resource-efficient production systems and support chemical industry transition toward bioeconomy.