CellDEG GmbH

CellDEG GmbH was founded 2016 and is a spin-off from the Institute of Biology at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Members of the former Cell Biology group headed by Prof. Dr. Rudolf Ehwald developed the High-Density Cultivation (HDC) process for optimal CO2 and light supply of cyanobacteria and microalgae. Compared to classical culture methods, the productivity of photoautotrophic microorganisms can thus be increased several folds. The technology is based on highly efficient membrane-mediated CO2 transfer into turbulently moving cell suspensions. In combination with strong light and nutrient-enriched media, unprecedented volume- and area-based biomass productivities up to very high cell densities (≥ 30 g dw L-1) can be generated in this way. Features such as the avoidance of carbon and light limitation, disturbingly high oxygen concentrations, bubble flow-induced shear stress, negligible CO2 and water vapor losses to the atmosphere as well as the possibility of axenic cultivation make this system unique. Based on this technology, CellDEG has developed parallel screening and analysis platforms as well as bioreactors for the production of axenic biomass at laboratory scale. All cultivators offered can be connected to a central control unit and enable a convenient and time-saving workflow. These highly innovative cultivation systems are marketed primarily to research institutions and biomass producers who want to grow cyanobacteria and microalgae quickly, in parallel and reliably. CellDEG aims to establish a standardized highly efficient technology for photoautotrophic cultures that allows reproducibility of experimental approaches across laboratories. The associated sensor technology and analytics, as well as the transfer of the technology to the pilot plant scale, are also key areas of focus.