Success Stories

Fraunhofer researchers are working on an alternative to the CRISPR-Cas gene scissors. Initial successes have already been achieved.

Using shallow- and deep-rooted wheat varieties in one field, researchers aim to improve the plants' nutrient and water availability and make them more resilient.

A special process makes natural fibers more heat-resistant, enabling them to be used in engineering thermoplastics.

In the joint project IMPAC3, partners from research and industry have explored which genotypes are suitable for mixed cultivation in fields, grassland and forests.

Following the example of the Canary Island pine's bark, which defies forest fires, researchers are developing nanocellulose-based biobased fire-retardant coatings to protect wood indoors and out.

The polyethylene films commonly used in agriculture pollute the environment with microplastics. Biodegradable alternatives are therefore being searched for.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the plastic that researchers in the PHABIO APP joint project have produced biotechnologically:  It is produced from animal waste fats with the help of bacteria and is completely degradable in nature.

Bioelectrochemistry enables economically attractive microbial biofactories. In the future, the proteobacterium Shewanella oneidensis could be used in this way for acetoin production.

Modern agricultural systems must be able to meet the challenges of climate change. In the rhizosphere properties of older crops, researchers are looking for solutions for coping with environmental stress and increasing yield security.

The archaeon is to become a platform organism for biotechnology. The research project "HotAcidFACTORY" wants to create the basis for this.

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.