Recorded as the oldest species on the planet, scientists have discovered a bio-silicate in sponges that can be used for new kinds of medical coatings, for example in dentistry or for bone implants. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the company NanotecMARIN GmbH has pushed forward the development of biotechnological production processes for the material. The first tests on patients are set to begin.

Summer may well have packed its bags and left town for another year, but the taste for ice cream hasn’t left our palates. In the freezer section of many supermarkets there is a special treat on offer for ice cream enthusiasts: lupin ice cream. Fraunhofer researchers in Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are the developers of the production process behind the frozen desserts and are supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Recently the developers were awarded the Federal President's "Future" Prize.

The Asimina triloba plant, also known as the pawpaw, is native to North America and was valued by North America’s indigenous people for centuries. In addition to its highly aromatic fruit, the tree is hardy and resistant to pests. The fruit trees are rare in Europe and Germany because the tree does not propagate well. The company Bock Bio Science GmbH has been researching on ways to increase the pawpaw population in local orchards since 2012. The goal of the biologists from Bremen is the biotechnical mass propagation of plants in the laboratory.

The focus of the strategic alliance “Natural Life Excellence Network 2020” (NatLifE 2020) is the new generation of biological active ingredients for healthy food and cosmetics products. Headed by Brain AG – a German biotech corporation from Zwingenberg in Hessen, 22 partners from economy and universities have come together to advance the research, development and production of natural ingredients.

Nature is teeming with countless micro-organisms potentially of benefit to human and animal health. Lactic acid bacteria are among the best-known of those invisible helpers. But they are certainly not the only ones.

Vitamins are essential to healthy eating. However, because the majority of the healthy molecules are lost during the intake of food, only a fraction of their potential is actually absorbed. Berlin biotechnology company Organobalance has now developed a procedure to store and protect active compounds such as vitamins, trace elements and fatty acids in a natural way by using a coating of selected yeast strains. This natural active compound protection could be an alternative to conventional vitamins or drug capsules and make their production more sustainable.

Biochar has long been known in agriculture as a soil improver. The charred remains of plant biomass not only promote soil quality but also stimulate plant growth. In addition, its potential to compensate for the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, is immense. Researchers at the University of Tübingen have now colonised biochar made of wood with microfungi and developed a special substrate for horticulture, which promotes root growth in seedlings and makes them more resistant to fungal diseases.

Alginates act like a sponge. The biopolymer, which is obtained from brown algae, can absorb huge amounts of germs and liquid. Because of its gelling properties, it is in great demand for medical wound dressings. However, the quality of algae-based alginates varies, as they are highly sensitive to environmental influences.

Cultivating a new vine variety is a laborious undertaking. Even in the earliest stages, excessive heat, cold or fungal infestations can affect the plant. Usually the damage is noticeable only when it is already too late. Wine-makers have to invest a great deal of time in collecting data on characteristics such as colour, size and other phenotypic features of grapes. However, in the future they could save themselves that effort — thanks to the PHENObot.

Foodstuffs packaging has a variety of functions: The product has to be protected against humidity and oxidation, but also against mechanical stresses. Therefore containers or bags – whether of plastic or paper – are often coated with a special material consisting of several thin layers of different glued plastics to form a durable protection against external influences. To ensure that neither water vapour nor oxygen impair the quality of meat or cheese, up to seven layers are needed.