For years, researchers have been working on using bacteria to convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into a raw material for the chemical industry. As part of the Unifying Systems in Catalysis (UniSysCat) Cluster of Excellence, researchers in Berlin have now succeeded in elucidating the molecular mechanism by which bacteria efficiently convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO) for the first time. According to Christian Lorent's team at TU Berlin, this represents a breakthrough in catalysis research.

Modern agriculture faces numerous challenges. In addition to ensuring food security, climate and environmental protection must also be taken into account, biodiversity preserved and economic aspects considered. At the same time, climate-related weather extremes are leading to a greater spread of invasive insect species and the pathogens they transmit, against which plants are increasingly developing resistance.

More and more countries see the bioeconomy as an opportunity to master the challenges of the future, such as climate change, food security, and environmental and resource protection. However, a resource-efficient and competitive economy requires the bioeconomy to be viewed in a global context. Close cooperation and worldwide research collaborations are also necessary to exploit the potential of the bioeconomy.

Potatoes are one of the most important food crops worldwide, alongside wheat and rice. However, the tuber is also extremely susceptible to disease. Climate change, viral infections, and infestation by herbivores such as the Colorado potato beetle cause billions of dollars in crop losses every year.

The majority of textile fibers are still made from petroleum-based raw materials. However, the production of biogenic fibers such as cotton also has a significant environmental impact. The textile industry is therefore increasingly turning to so-called regenerated cellulose fibers such as Lyocell, which are much more environmentally friendly to produce.

Dyes made from CO₂ and sunlight, fuels made from pizza scraps, or bioplastics made from bread scraps: The Waste2Value joint project relies on bacteria and microalgae to convert waste materials from agriculture, food production, and industry into valuable chemicals and materials and to promote structural change in the Western Palatinate region. On August 12, Minister President Alexander Schweizer was briefed on the research results at the Pirmasens campus of the University of Kaiserslautern.

The BMFTR-funded research project Power2Polymers, coordinated by RWTH Aachen University, demonstrates how industrial waste gases can be put to good use. Project partner Prefere Paraform has now succeeded in processing two tonnes of sustainable methanol into paraformaldehyde. This will result in novel polyhydric alcohols (polyols) that can be used in adhesives, coatings, lubricants and sealants.

Carbon fibres are lightweight, extremely stable and resistant, making them particularly suitable for lightweight construction. This high-tech material is not only used in aerospace. Wind turbines and many sports equipment items such as skis and tennis rackets are also made from it. Until now, however, carbon fibres have been made from acrylonitrile, a key petroleum-based raw material used in the manufacture of lightweight products.