Exploring Sustainable Production Solutions

Welcome to My Research Realm! I am passionately dedicated to uncovering sustainable solutions within production processes.

Unveiling Hidden Gems

My primary research focus lies in uncovering solutions for sustainable production processes. Often, there exists a fascinating compound that holds potential in various industrial contexts, ranging from pharmaceuticals to fine or bulk chemicals. However, the journey to harnessing its benefits is far from environmentally friendly. This prompts the vital question: "How can we generate this compound in a manner that is both economically efficient and environmentally conscious?" The answer isn't a singular solution; it involves exploring numerous avenues and methodologies.

Harboring the Power of Biotechnology

This is where biotechnology comes into play—an ideal launching point. Through the use of enzymes as natural catalysts, we can drive reactions that might remain inaccessible via traditional chemical approaches. When these biocatalytic reactions interweave with other potent techniques, the result is a cascade effect, carrying immense potential for industrial applications.

Navigating the Research Landscape

Within this expansive framework, my research delves into producing bulk chemicals with straightforward aliphatic structures sourced from renewable resources. This is achieved through the utilization of whole-cell biocatalysis, involving the orchestration of multiple enzymes within a single cellular environment. Additionally, my curiosity extends to the rejuvenation of Nicotinamide cofactors—integral to countless enzymatic redox reactions—significantly impacting cost-efficiency and efficacy in biotechnological applications. Furthermore, I explore the integration of biocatalysis with chemo- or electrocatalysis, unveiling uncharted pathways for innovation.

Join Me on This Journey

Whether you're a fellow student eager for insights or a collaborator with shared interests, I invite you to embark on this captivating research expedition alongside me. Together, we can unravel groundbreaking solutions that harmonize sustainable practices with cutting-edge science. Feel free to explore my work and reach out—let's pioneer the future of sustainable production together!

Curriculum vitae

Carolin Mügge obtained her high school diploma from Carl-Zeiss Gymnasium Jena in 2004. She pursued her diploma degree in Chemistry at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, she embarked on her doctoral research at the same university, successfully completing her dissertation titled "Metal Complexes with Sulfur Ligands as Cytotoxic Agents" in December 2015. Throughout her studies and doctoral program, she received scholarships from the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

Following her doctoral degree, Carolin Mügge worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Microbial Biotechnology junior research group (Jun.-Prof. Dr. R. Kourist) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum from 2015 to 2016. She then took charge of the Junior Research Group ChemBioCat / Microbial Biotechnology in 2017 at the same university. Currently, she serves as a scientific associate and project manager in the Microbial Biotechnology research group under the supervision of Prof. Dr. D. Tischler.

Carolin Mügge has participated in various professional development activities and research stays. She served as a guest researcher at the University of Florence multiple times and also during her doctoral program at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. She is a member of professional societies including DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V., Vereinigung für Allgemeine und Angewandte Mikrobiologie e.V. (VAAM), and the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh).

She actively engages in various committees and commissions at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, including the Equal Opportunity Commission and the University Commission for Diversity, Inclusion, and Talent Development. She is also a member of the Early Career Research Board at the RUB Research School and the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Biology and Biochemistry. Additionally, she contributes as a referee for journals with peer-review processes, including Frontiers in Microbiology, J. Biotechnology, Process Biochemistry, and MDPI Journals.