Control of Biocathodes for Electromicrobial Valorization of Co₂ and H₂

**Control of Biocathodes for Electromicrobial Valorization of CO₂ and H₂**:

- Réf **ABG-132463**
- Sujet de Thèse
- 11/06/2025
- Autre financement public
- INRAE
- Lieu de travail- Antony - Ile-de-France - France
- Intitulé du sujet- Control of Biocathodes for Electromicrobial Valorization of CO₂ and H₂
- Champs scientifiques- Biotechnologie
- Génie des procédés
- Mots clés- Bioprocess enginering, bioelectrochemistry, biorafinery, modelling, process control, machine learning

**Description du sujet**:
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 central to this revolution. By driving redox reactions in bioelectrochemical systems (BES), these microorganisms enable the sustainable conversion of waste into energy and high-value molecules [1]. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), described as electrochemical reactors in which oxidation and reduction reactions are biologically catalyzed at the respective electrodes, have emerged as a potentially more energy-efficient and sustainable method for treating domestic wastewater while simultaneously recovering electricity (microbial fuel cells) or chemicals (microbial electrolysis). Thanks to their modular structure, these processes allow physical separation between the oxidation of complex organic substrates derived from agricultural waste and the synthesis of high-value bio-based molecules [2]. This innovation, previously explored in the BIORARE project, reached a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4, but only for acetate production. The synthesis of other, more complex organic molecules remains a technological challenge.

Among the challenges associated with this process, the control of microbial biocathodes is a key issue. Fine-tuning operating conditions is a central lever for steering microbial metabolic pathways but remains complex due to the interdependence of parameters and the dynamics of microbial populations.

This project lies at the intersection of bioelectrochemistry, microbial ecology, low-cost instrumentation, and artificial intelligence applied to bioprocesses. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of intelligent, autonomous bioreactors with adaptive learning capabilities.

**Additional Information**:

- PhD Supervisor: Théodore Bouchez, Director of the PROSE research unit
- Co-supervisors: Yannick Fayolle (Research Engineer, UR PROSE) / Ahlem Filali (Researcher, UR PROSE) / Daniel Rios Garza (Researcher, UR PROSE)
- Host Laboratory: INRAE - UR PROSE (1461) - 1 Rue Pierre Gilles de Gennes - 92160 Antony, France
- Funding: €2200/month [fully funded under the PEPR B-BEST ELECTROMIC Project - France 2030]
- Start Date: Q4 2025

**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.

**Prise de fonction**:

- 01/10/2025

**Nature du financement**:

- Autre financement public

**Précisions sur le financement**:

- ANR - France 2030

**Présentation établissement et labo d'accueil**:

- INRAE

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

**Site web**:
**Etablissement délivrant le doctorat**:

- Université Paris-Saclay
- Master’s degree in process engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, electrochemistry, or related disciplines
- Desired skills: electrochemistry, anaerobic microbial culture, sensors, automation, programming (Python or Matlab), machine learning
- Strong interest in experimentation, interdisciplinarity, and technological innovation
- A high level of proficiency in English (written, read, spoken) is required