From September 9 to 13, 2019, 35 young researchers from 10 countries met at the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany, for the2nd International EUROMBR Training Course – Innovative Microbioreactor Applications in Bioprocess Development. The 5-day-training-course included a dedicated lecture programme, practical workshops “hands on” in microfabrication, biocatalysis and enzyme immobilization, inline sensoring, whole cell cultivation and computational fluid dynamics in this new and fascinating research field.
Microbioreactors (MBRs) are miniaturized reactors having a capacity of less than one milliliter. In these tiny reactors biological reactions with enzymes or whole cells are performed. MBRs represent a central tool for the characterization of microorganisms with sophisticated production properties as well as for the process development of important active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Thus, by numbering up these MBRs and with minimal amounts of reactants, the optimal cultivation conditions of microbial API-producing candidates can be determined in a very short time. For biotechnological processes the development time for drug production of new APIs can be considerably reduced.
The scientific programme was completed by social activities for young researchers to stimulate information exchange and networking. Prof. Rainer Krull, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, TU Braunschweig, was the scientific head and host of the EUROMBR Training Course, co-organizer of this event was the PVZ. The Training Course was also supported by DECHEMA and the European Federation of Biotechnology.
The International EUROMBR Training Course originates from the Marie Curie Initial Training Network EUROMBR anchored in the frame programme of the European Union. Within this network, application-oriented experts from eight European countries have been working together for the education, development and application of the explorative MBR technology to sustain the future progress of bio-based processes. This consortium decided to continue MBR-related young researchers’ education by the EUROMBR Training Course. The International EUROMBR Training Course was supported by tutorial speakers of the Bielefeld University, Technical University of Denmark, University of Granada, TU Braunschweig, TU Graz, Leibniz University Hanover, University of Ljubljana, University College London, University of Magna Graecia of Cantazarro and Wyss Institute, Harvard University, Boston.
The Training Course is of particular importance for the promotion of young researchers. They combine theoretical knowledge with important practical experiences. Young scientists use the opportunity to get in touch with the leading experts in MBR development and to build up and broaden their own scientific networks efficiently.
The 3rd International EUROMBR Training Course will be held from September 21 to 25, 2020, at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
