The research group focuses on resource recovery and production of biocommodities with microbial electrochemical technologies (MET). In MET, electrical current can be produced with microorganisms or electrical current can be used to steer the metabolism of microorganisms. In addition, (biologically produced) electrical current can be used to recover nutrient with (bio-)electroconcentration.
Research focus and goals
The overall aim of the research group is to accelerate transition towards bio and circular economy. Our group aims at developing processes for, e.g. nutrient recovery with (bio-)electroconcentration, conversion of carbon dioxide into fatty acids with microbial electrosynthesis and chain elongation, and to steer fermentation of organics towards higher value compounds. The group has also competence on bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment and metal recovery.
The group focuses on reactor development, process optimization and on integration of the processes to existing infrastructures (e.g. anaerobic digestion) or for upcoming technologies (e.g. inline recovery of fatty acids). In addition, the mixed microbial communities enriched at the anodes and cathodes are characterized with metagenomics to reveal the active microorganisms and their synergies.
Impact
The research is done for example in an Academy Research Fellow -project and in an project funded by the Academy of Finland C1 Value programme (CO2MetMES).
Leader
Marika Kokko
Associate Professor (tenure track), Bio and circular economy
Marika Kokko
