Mi-Hy

For the first time, Mi-Hy brings together Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology and hydroponics, thereby introducing a prosthetic rhizosphere (an extended rhizosphere community) to the typically “soil-less” configuration of hydroponics systems. The Mi-Hy system will modulate nitrogen forms, plant root microbiomes optimise nitrogen uptake, and mobilise phosphorous, averting the need for chemical fertilisers.

This circular, sustainable platform turns carbon into biomass and reclaims nitrogen from wastewater streams. Linked through shared microbiomes, the bioelectricity platform is:

  • optimised to generate electricity from wastewater with Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) at higher efficiency;
  • driving wavelength-specific LEDs to optimize photosynthesis;
  • capable of recovering useful biomolecules using microbial electro synthesis (MES).

The innovative bioelectricity platform shares common microbial constituents, meaning they can be combined without the need for external (fossil-fuel based) energy sources. To achieve this goal, Mi-Hy aims to design biofilms using metabolic engineering of wild type symbiotic strains. This next-generation hydroponics system has near-future applications in agriculture and in the urban environment.

It delivers a smart, decentralized, low power digital infrastructure with sustainable organic solutions, supporting sustainability via urban agriculture, precision gardening, wastewater treatment, energy generation, synthesis of high value compounds such as vitamins. Mi-Hy will also invite designers and stakeholders from various sectors to co- create future applications. Ultimately, it anticipates and facilitates a healthier, sustainable, nature-based urban landscape.

Details and figures at a glance:

  • Mi-Hy is a Horizon Europe project, which received 6 million Euros in funding, was launched in November 2023, and is scheduled to run for the next 4 years.
  • The project is led and coordinated by KU Leuven and brings together 6 partners from 4 European countries.
PROJECT PARTNERS
  • KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
  • SONY EUROPE BV
  • BIOFACTION KG
  • AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
  • UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND, BRISTOL
BIOFACTION'S ROLE

Besides communication tasks, Biofaction undertakes involvment of designers and Do-it-yourself communities through participation in Maker Fairs and an international design competition stimulating co-creation, public accessibility and frugal innovation. Additionally, Biofaction will develop an installation prototype emphasising the relationship between food security, climate change and robust empowered communities