Visit at IJPB and IFPEN

Morning session at IJPB (Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin for Plant Sciences) in Versailles

In the framework of the “Bioenergies and lignocelluloses” S2 course, Bioceb students from Cohort 5 enjoyed a sunny immersion in plant science research at IJPB. They had the opportunity to meet two scientific experts in plant cell wall research and engineering, Herman Höfte and Alexis Peaucelle. After an introduction of IJPB by Stéphanie Baumberger, Herman Höfte gave a lecture on lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks in relation to the production of energy and material. He emphasized the crucial role of local conditions for the choice of a biomass and illustrated, through the example of Miscanthus feedstock, the need for a multi-criteria approach. Through his presentation, the students learned about a past national project showing how using perennial crops on marginal land can limit competition with food production while solving environmental issues. They also got insights on cutting-edge biotechnology technologies implemented at IJPB to adjust plant biomass quality.

Alexis Peaucelle took over with a visit of some IJPB shared facilities and presentation of a high-resolution microscope acquired thanks to a European Research Council grant. This unique equipment allows in-situ real-time imaging of plant cell-wall polysaccharides. The aim is not only to better understand the ultrastructure of plant cell-wall and their evolution but also to provide, in the future, a high-performance monitoring tool for industry.

Many thanks to the two scientists for sharing their enthusiasm for research with the students!

Afternoon session at IFPEN (IFP Energies Nouvelles) in Rueil Malmaison

After a morning session dedicated to green biotechnologies, the afternoon session at IFPEN focused on white biotechnologies. The group was welcomed by Etienne Jourdier, leader of the synthetic biology group at the Biotechnology division. After an institutional presentation of IFPEN, he focused on the research activities of IFPEN connected to the development of 2nd generation biorefineries based on lignocellulose feedstocks. He showed how microorganisms like Trichoderma and Clostridium species can be engineered and implemented to improve the sustainability of biofuel and bio-based solvent production, respectively. During a visit of the molecular biology and fermentation labs, the students were lucky to meet Alexandre Delarouzée, a research engineer specialist of the genetics of the bacteria Clostridium acetobutylicum, and Beatriz Rodrigues Bispo Santos (Bioceb cohort 4) who is currently performing her M2 Master’s thesis on the influence of bacterial contamination on yeast fermentation. She presented her experiments to the students and shared her experience as an M2 intern.
Many thanks, Etienne, Alexandre and Beatriz, for the presentation and the visit!

This whole day of visits favored interactions between Bioceb students and AgroParisTech 2nd year engineer students taking part in the course Bioenergies and Lignocelluloses.