Bioindustrial Innovation Center

Applied Biology Laboratory

The Applied Biology Laboratory focuses on developing bench-scale biological processes, especially for anaerobic systems.

Overview

The laboratory has two biochemical methane potential (BMP) assays for feedstock evaluation and can conduct anaerobic digestion and fermentation tests in reactors at up to 5 liters, allowing for controlled evaluation of substrates, inocula, operating conditions, and process stability.

Gas chromatography (GC) is used to analyze biogas composition and measure methane production, while routine titration methods monitor volatile fatty acids, alkalinity, and other key stability indicators.

More detailed characterization is provided by AURI’s Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. An autoclave is available for sterilizing media, equipment, and selected feedstocks, enabling both sterile and non-sterile experiments. These capabilities together create a versatile platform for screening feedstocks, optimizing operational parameters, and generating data for scale-up and techno-economic analysis of anaerobic processes.

Our Team

AURI’s Food scientists are available to provide consulting and technical services in the areas of product and process development, product evaluation and testing, sourcing materials, equipment and services

Jimmy Gosse Ph.D

Senior Scientist, Biobased & Renewable Energy

(218) 281-7600 x114 Email

Camren Nikoley

Bioindustrial Lab Associate

(218)281-7600 x139 Email

John Sorensen

Bioindustrial Facilities Manager

(218)281-7600 x128 Email

Michael Stutelberg Ph.D.

Scientist, Chemistry

(218) 281-7600 x135 Email