Systems Engineering

The cross-cutting topic Systems Engineering focuses on diverse bio(techno)logical systems and the fields of application of the Bioeconomy Science Centers. The objective is to represent the complex biological and technical interaction networks in terms of mathematical models (modeling), develop and apply computer-assisted methods for generating quantitative data (simulation), and validate models (estimation of parameters, experimental design) as well as utilize model-assisted methods for the development and optimization of products and processes for a bioeconomy.

Scientific research topics

• Understanding of cellular functions and targeted modification of the metabolic performance of cells. The complex interaction network of the molecular components in living cells is part of systems biology. Model-assisted methods based on the modeling of biochemical networks are a central element for understanding cellular functions as well as for the targeted modification of the metabolic performance of a cell, either for white or green biotechnology.
• Optimization of biotechnological processes for the production of value compounds and biomass. Modeling and simulation of multi-stage biotechnological processes are essential for the computer-assisted design and optimization of these processes as well as for the production of biomass in bioreactors. A detailed understanding of separate process steps as well as modeling the entire process is needed to form the basis of an optimization-assisted, model-based design.
• Modeling of processes for the conversion of biomass into products. Processes for the conversion of biomass into products must be modeled and optimized in a computer-assisted way by different procedures of bio- and chemocatalysis, analogously to biotechnological production processes. In addition to catalysis, disruption of biomass as well as downstream processing should be examined within an integrated approach.
• Computer-assisted analysis of growth and transport processes in plants. Processes of growth and transport in plants result from the interaction of their cellular compartments and the internal vascular tissues of the plants. For optimizing the production of plant biomass with regard to yield as well as chemical composition and adaptation to the cultivation site, experimental data must be analyzed by computer-assisted methods.
• Simulation of transport and conversion processes in soils. Transport of compounds and transformation in soils can only be understood by analogous analysis on a large scale using simulation models.
• Estimation of the total economic efficiency of bio-based production chains. On the highest scale of the energy and material used in a bioeconomy, a detailed balancing of all material and energy fluxes in the context of a biotechnological, plant, or animal production processes is essential for the estimation of the total economic efficiency.

Participating Core Groups