Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 41: Franco-German Session: Bacterial Biophysics II

BP 41.4: Talk

Friday, March 13, 2026, 12:30–12:45, BAR/0205

Selective inhibition of microbial methanogenesis - a shortcut toward climate change mitigation — •Benedikt Sabass — TU Dortmund — LMU München

In a world that is increasingly affected by climate change, new solutions are urgently needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most effective measures to limit global warming is to reduce methane emissions, a significant proportion of which is produced in the rumen of cattle. Rumen methanogenesis is a complex process that involves various biochemical pathways and cooperation among species from all three domains of life.

A reduction of methane emissions through feed additives has been shown to be feasible in principle, but effective and economical solutions are not yet available. Here, I present an overview of our research on compounds that selectively inhibit methanogenesis. I summarize existing strategies, describe our in-vitro screening assay, and present results from animal tests. Finally, I outline basic open questions regarding the molecular mechanisms of methanogenesis from a biological physics perspective.

Keywords: climate change; microbes; methanogenesis; bacteria; systems biology