Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, in Germany, have developed an in vitro model to investigate how environmental chemicals, such as bisphenols (BPX) and PFAS mixtures, affect the interactions between the microbiome and immune system. Using the Multifors bench-top bioreactor, they demonstrated that chronic chemical exposure can alter immune cell activation without affecting microbial community structure.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison utilized an optimized Multifors bench-top bioreactor system to significantly enhance the production of 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) from aqueous aromatic streams using Novosphingobium aromaticivorans. Their findings demonstrate how membrane separation and pH control improvements boost PDC yields, advancing the production of biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass for polymer-based materials.

Researchers from the University of Athens have successfully harnessed crude glycerol, a biodiesel by-product, as a substrate for producing valuable compounds like polyols and yeast biomass. Their study highlights the adaptability of wild-type Yarrowia lipolytica strains under low pH, low temperature, and non-aseptic conditions, offering a sustainable approach to bio-based production.

This study, published on ScienceDirect, aimed to revolutionize bioproduction by developing a cost-effective, robust, and scalable platform using a novel approach with C. glutamicum and UF-SSL. This research eliminates costly media additives and energy-intensive detoxification steps, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable industrial ethanol production.