SkaDes Project Meeting: Scaling Sustainable Bioprocesses
The SkaDes project has officially commenced. In collaboration with our partners, we are conducting research on scalable and sustainable bioprocesses. During the project meeting at TLH in Göppingen, we reviewed the current progress of the individual subprojects and had the opportunity to tour the newly inaugurated bio laboratory.
© Technikum Laubholz
On 14 October 2025, a project meeting for the SkaDes research initiative was held at Technikum Laubholz (TLH) in Göppingen. In addition to a professional exchange on the current progress of the subprojects, the project partners and a member of the industry advisory board were given a guided tour of TLH’s recently inaugurated bio laboratory.
Launched in May 2025, the SkaDes project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and coordinated by the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR).
SkaDes focuses on the scaling of enzymatic platform processes in natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the production of biosurfactants and chiral fine chemicals, as well as the mechano-enzymatical synthesis of glycolipids.
The transition from conventional, petroleum-based chemical production to more environmentally friendly, bio-based alternatives requires a holistic consideration of numerous influencing factors. These include the selection of raw materials, the use of biocatalysts, the implementation of sustainable manufacturing processes, and the development of customized, eco-friendly solvents.
While water remains the standard solvent in biocatalysis, many substances are either sparingly soluble or insoluble in water. Moreover, water can inhibit certain reactions, necessitating the exploration of alternative solvents. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) represent a promising class of solvents characterized by enhanced enzyme stability. They are expected to be established as efficient and sustainable solvents in biocatalytic processes.
Through this research, the SkaDes project contributes to the efficient and environmentally responsible use of resources while supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Project partners are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – Institute for Process Engineering in Life Sciences (BLT), Electro Biotechnology (ETB) and the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) – Institute for Technical Biocatalysis (ITB).
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