Acetogenic Bacteria

Acetogenic bacteria (acetogens) use the ancient and most energy-efficient pathway for carbon dioxide fixation, the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, to sustain life. They play an important role in natural ecosystems, origin of life research, bioremediation and  industrial applications.

We use computational microbiology, laboratory cultivation and molecular techniques to study model acetogens, their metabolism and bioremediation potential. Moreover, we investigate extrachromosomal DNA, including prophages and plasmids, to assess their role and impact on central metabolic processes.