Success Stories

Researchers in Halle and Potsdam are experimenting with compsite-materials made of beech fibres and bioplastics.

In your drinking water, water lice are likely to count as unwanted guests. Ecologists in Landau, Germany, are using a rapid DNA test to find out more about the origins and distribution of crustaceans in wells, waterworks and pipelines.

Nanoparticles are playing an increasingly important role in medicine. In order to more quickly assess the possible health risks of these nanoparticles, researchers are carrying out in-depth investigations of the interactions of the tiny molecules within the cells of the body. 

What will be the consequences of climate change on agriculture and nutrition in Europe? Simulation models created by climate researchers in Potsdam are looking to the future.

Different shapes, colours, and aromas - the tomato is a truly diverse plant. The Gatersleben-based company TraitGenetics deciphers new molecular markers within the genetic material of plants – including tomatoes – with the aim of speeding up the breeding of new varieties.

Xell AG in Bielefeld develops specific culture media for use in cell cultures. Because inside a bioreactor, each cell type requires a distinct working environment, necessitating the use of carefully designed media.

Aided by new sequencing technologies, Nils Stein and his team of plant geneticists have succeeded in decoding all seven chromosomes of the barley genome far quicker than was originally planned. In the process, they have greatly added to the genome map of this important agricultural crop.

Where does the sugar in the sugar beet actually come from? Scientists from research and industry looked into this question in order to increase yields from sugar beet.

The BioFabNet focussed on developing communication strategies for 3D printing in order to generate public awareness for biobased materials and the possibilities of bioeconomy.

The research cooperation “ChitoTex” is developing a procedure to utilize the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens as a sustainable source for chitin, which can be used to coat textile fibers.

The biotech company Organobalance found lactic acid bacteria in its archive that are able to gently disinfect hands and other surfaces. The microbes are now being refined for use in cleaning and care cosmetics.

Material researchers in Berlin have developed an enzymatic process for making lubricants out of used oil. The new bio-lubricant is based on oil that has been used for deep frying and it is biodegradable.

Researchers from Karlsruhe are fermenting biomass under high pressure to produce the base chemical methanol. The OptiMeOH project is being funded by the German Research Ministry with 1.4 million euros.

How can flax be used for composite materials? Researchers from Bremen have developed a toolbox for plant breeders.

The bioeconomy has a few drawbacks, too. Sociologists from Jena are investigating the bioenergy sector with regard to social inequality.

Most adhesives for films and packaging are based on mineral oil. Fraunhofer researchers are testing a plant-based alternative.

With the “Phenobot” researchers have developed a measuring robot that can help vine-growers with their work.

Researchers at the joint AlBioTex project have found a way of using Azotobacter vinelandii bacteria to produce tailor-made alginates for use in wound dressings.

German fungus researchers from Tübingen have developed a special substrate of biochar that will help young plants to take root and to sustainably protect against diseases.

As part of the GOBI strategic alliance, three companies are actively looking for new, beneficial bacteria for the manufacture of bioactive products in the animal feed, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The main objective: to find a bio-based alternative to conventional antibiotics.