Biotechnology/Systems biology

Whether milk or meat substitutes, alternative proteins have become an important source of raw materials for the production of sustainable and healthy foods. These are not only plant-based proteins that can replace animal proteins, but also proteins that can be obtained using cell-based or fermentative processes. However, the path to producing such innovative foods is associated with numerous hurdles and risks for companies.

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a well-known model organism, especially in molecular biology. Here, the unicellular organism is used to research photosynthesis in living cells, metabolism and protein transport. The alga is also becoming increasingly important as a biofactory for the production of hydrogen. However, the cultivation of C. Chlamydomonas in the laboratory has its pitfalls.

Oil spills occur time and again in the world's oceans with serious consequences for the entire ecosystem. But here, too, nature has microbial helpers at the ready that can contain the spread of the oil slick and thus the environmental pollution. These are marine bacteria that feed on crude oil. A research team led by the University of Bonn has now taken a closer look at such a marine bacterium. RWTH Aachen University, HHU Düsseldorf and the Jülich Research Centre were involved in the study.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a plastic based on fossil raw materials such as crude oil or natural gas. Although pure PET is fully recyclable, it often ends up in the environment or is incinerated. Biochemists Dr Christian Sonnendecker and Dr Ronny Frank are focusing instead on a biological recycling process using PHL7.

Packaging, whether plastic or paper, is an integral part of everyday life, but ends up in the bin after a short time. This wastes valuable resources. Instead of cutting down trees to obtain cellulose for the packaging industry, PAPACKS relies on industrial hemp. Founded in 2013, the Cologne-based company has now established its own supply chain for certified industrial hemp with Ukrainian Hemp, thereby securing access to the renewable raw material on an industrial scale.

Oats are one of the oldest cultivated plants and are valued as a food mainly because of the carbohydrates in the grain. As an alternative milk substitute in the form of oat drinks, the plant has been attracting increasing public attention for some years now. Compared to animal milk or soy, however, oat proteins have so far played a minor role in nutrition. Researchers at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences want to change this.

In many parts of the world, people already eat insects. They are full of high-quality proteins and are easy to breed in large quantities while conserving resources, as they feed on organic waste. Insects can therefore make an important contribution to feeding the world and at the same time protect resources and the environment. Despite its enormous potential, insect farming is still associated with high process costs and an equally high consumption of resources.