Success Stories

Fewer pesticides for more plant protection - this is the goal of a German-Brazilian team researching antimicrobial peptides to protect citrus fruits from bacterial "cancer infestation".

A new research project aims to examine bacteria that have so far been biotechnologically largely unnoted for their suitability for the bioindustry.

Coffee grounds are more than just waste - they are a valuable resource that can be processed into new bio-based composites. A suitable method was developed as part of the idea competition project BioKaVe.

Feeding the growing world population is one of the greatest tasks of our time. To meet this challenge, the crop yields of wheat must be increased and the most suitable varieties for changing environmental conditions must be found. This is the goal of the BRIWECS project.

Partners from research and industry are working together to develop a warning system to prepare European fisheries and aquaculture for the consequences of climate change. It is intended to identify changes in endangered species at an early stage.

Simply recycling plastic? European researchers believe they can do better. By breaking it down and making its building blocks exploitable for bacteria to create valuable resources, a research consortium plans to upcycle plastics. 

Scientists in Berlin have developed an adhesive protein inspired from mussels and are able to produce the substance from reprogrammed microbes. The adhesive can be used as superglue to treat wounds and bone fractures.

Hanover researchers and their partners hope to develop peanuts with reduced allergenic potential in order to reduce the risk of an immune reaction. 

Using the bioenergy sector as an example, Jena researchers are investigating the extent to which the transition process towards a bioeconomy is affecting the existing global social inequalities.

A fuel cell with a textile anode could make various sewage treatment plants almost energy neutral and also make other biotechnological processes more economical.

Jute bags are a common sight. However, the plant's fibers are also suitable for composite materials, as researchers in the Jute Bio-Comp project are demonstrating.

A research consortium has successfully developed enzymes that allow better dyeing of synthetic fibers and prevent pilling during washing.

A German-Brazilian research association has succeeded in producing fertilizers and biopolymers from residual materials from sugar cane processing.

Enzymes are designed to modernize processes. A German team of researchers has now succeeded in doing the same in the production of sausage skins.

A database of the RWTH Aachen simplifies the analysis of new molecular genetic information from plant research.

Partners from research and industry are in the process of biotechnologically producing the basic chemical 3-hydroxypropanoic acid from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Conventional carbon sources, however, still appear to be more economical.

Researchers from Kiel have put the product milk under the proverbial microscope and examined the entire value chain from the producer to the consumer.

The strategic alliance "NatLifE 2020" investigates the natural world for plant extracts that enhance the flavour of sugar and salt in food - in order to be able to reduce these components in food without affecting the taste.

Rapeseed is an important oilseed, however, it is genetically impoverished. Thus, 14 project partners from industry and science have developed rapeseed lines with additional features.

Microbes require optimised conditions in order to grow efficiently. To this end, Hamburg-based bioprocess engineers are developing smart computer models.

Membrane adsorbers can assist in the gentle and loss-free purification of proteins. Now, biotechnologists have optimised the technology in order to obtain cytokines for use in biomedicine.

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.