Thermokinetic Modeling of Electroactive Microorganism Growth

We are seeking a candidate to start a PhD thesis within the PROSE unit at INRAE(French Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment). The PROSE unit is dedicated to the development of environmental biotechnologies aimed at addressing key challenges in sustainable development and the bioeconomy. As part of this dynamic research environment, the PhD project will focus on the study and modeling of a microbial electrochemical process, an innovative technology with great potential for sustainable applications. Further details about the topic are provided below.

Context: Advancing Bioelectrochemical Systems for a Sustainable Future

The transition to a low-carbon, circular economy requires innovative biotechnologies that harness nature’s ability to convert waste into valuable resources. Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) are at the core of this revolution. By driving redox reactions in bioelectrochemical systems (BES), these microorganisms enable sustainable conversion of waste into energy and high-value molecules [1, 2].

BES operate by leveraging microbial metabolism to drive electron transfer processes. Despite significant advances in understanding EAM metabolism, key knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding how EAMs allocate energy between growth and electron transfer, and how process conditions affect this balance. These gaps hinder predictive modeling and optimization, slowing down the large-scale deployment of BES [3].

This highly interdisciplinary PhD project will integrate advanced thermokinetic modeling with cutting-edge experimental techniques to refine our understanding of EAM growth dynamics. The insights gained will be crucial for improving the efficiency and reliability of BES, ultimately contributing to the scientific and technical advancements needed to support the ecological transition of our societies.

Research Focus Area

• Bioenergetic Yield Analysis – Investigate microbial growth yield using state-of-the-art electrochemical, omics, and analytical chemistry techniques.
• Model development – Develop a thermodynamically consistent framework leveraging statistical physics and reaction kinetics [4] to describe microbial-electrochemical reactions.

 References 

[1] Jung, S., et al., Bioelectrochemical systems for a circular bioeconomy. Bioresource Technology, 2020. 300: p. 122748. 

[2] Foulet, A., et al., Life cycle assessment of a bioelectrochemical system as a new technological platform for biosuccinic acid production from waste. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2018. 25(36): p. 36485-36502. 

[3] Korth, B., et al., Comparing theoretical and practical biomass yields calls for revisiting thermodynamic growth models for electroactive microorganisms. Water Research, 2023. 242: p. 120279.

[4] Desmond-Le Quéméner, E. and T. Bouchez, A thermodynamic theory of microbial growth. The ISME Journal, 2014. 8(8): p. 1747-1751.

L’unité PROSE mène des recherches sur les biotechnologies environnementales, depuis l’échelle des communautés microbiennes jusqu’à celle des procédés (stations d’épuration, digesteurs anaérobies, procédés bioélectrochimiques pour la bioraffinerie, …), en articulation avec les grands enjeux sociétaux de développement durable, d’économie circulaire et de bioéconomie.

Affiliée aux départements TRANSFORM et MICA, l'unité PROSE s'inscrit dans une démarche transdisciplinaire fondée sur l’écologie microbienne, la biogéochimie, le génie des procédés, les mesures physiques et la modélisation.

We are looking for a motivated and highly skilled PhD candidate with:

• A Master’s (M2) or an engineering degree in process engineering, bioengineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in modeling and numerical simulation, with proficiency in Comsol® Multiphysics.
• A keen interest in microbial systems, with a strong drive for laboratory experiments and data analysis. 
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinarity resarech.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).