Herwig Bachmann

Dr. Herwig Bachmann

Contact details
O2 building, room 02E51
T: +31 318659652
h.bachmann[at]vu.nl

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8224-0993

My research evolves around optimising fermentations. I am fascinated by microbes, their evolution, metabolic capabilities and interactions. Their understanding and application guide my research interests. I work part time at the VU University (3 days/week) and part time at NIZO Food Research (2 days/week).

Research topics I am working on include

  • Microbial metabolism
  • Experimental evolution
  • Biochemistry of plant-based fermentations
  • The role of spatial structure on selection and microbial interactions
  • Optimisation of growth rate/yield (micro-droplet technologies)
  • Evolutionary trade-offs e.g. how does growth rate impact the formation of secondary metabolites

Applications

  • Fermented products including dairy and plant-based proteins
  • Production of biomass and metabolites
  • Bio-purification: microbial removal of undesired compounds from eg. plant based raw materials

Main ongoing projects

  • FERMI I am leading a consortium of 12 industrial and 3 academic partners (NWO Perspectief) working on understanding the mirobiology and biochemistry underlying plant-based fermentations. See fermiproject.nl
  • COMET is a TTW financed project where we work on the evolution of microbial consortia with a focus on spatial interaction.
  • EVOGOLD is a TTW financed project where we develop a novel technology for experimental evolution.