The aim of the CIME microbiology laboratory is to develop bioprocesses to address various problems of industrial process optimisation, water and soil remediation, product and by-product recovery..
CIME has the means to meet the needs for the study of a panel of microbial metabolisms on all types of matrices.
CIME’s fields of investigation include the study of micro-organisms:
- in aerobic condition through the provision of custom-made aerated/agitated reactors and agitated incubators
- in anaerobic condition by the use of gas injection ramps and the provision of a glove box
- on solid media in different processes, such as fluidised beds or fixed beds that are completely immersed
- Cultivation of pure strains by providing a microbiological safety station and Bunsen spout for the smallest manipulations and a sterilisation autoclave with a capacity of 80L
The various methods available at CIME allow the monitoring of microbial growth by:
- physico-chemical analyses of substrates and products derived from the culture
- microscopic observation and counting of biomass using a fluorescence microscope and phase contrast available in this laboratory.
- This process is of environmental interest since it allows reduction as far as the elimination of chemical reagents from the oxidative loop of uranium leaching processes.
- Low operational cost making it economically viable compared to a chemical process.
- Efficiency and industrial feasibility tested at CIME by coupling it with ISR (in situ recovery) and static type leaching processes.
Solution to various decontamination and recovery issues
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
