Biotechnology/Systems biology

Due to their diverse ingredients, algae are not only interesting for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. They can also be used to dye textiles and as a raw material supplier for the production of biopolymers. The Berlin start-up Vyld is the first to use the potential of seaweed for the production of sustainable hygiene products. The aim is to develop menstrual products. The non-profit company has now secured fresh capital from investors in an early-stage financing round.

Nitrogen is an important nutrient for all living things. Our atmosphere is full of it, but the only living organisms that can bind and use this nitrogen directly are some microorganisms. They use certain enzymes called nitrogenases to do this. But researchers are also interested in these enzymes for a second reason: nitrogenases can bind carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and form methane or ethylene from them. This turns problematic waste materials into valuable chemical resources.

An estimated 80 % of all plants live in symbiosis with so-called mycorrhizal fungi, which colonize the roots of plants. This subterranean symbiosis has proven itself over millions of years as it is extremely beneficial for both the plant and the fungus. In order for the symbiosis to come about, the fungi colonize the root and form small tree-like structures in the root cells - the arbuscules. Important nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen then reach the plant via the fine root system in the soil, the so-called hyphae.

Plants have the ability to bind carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis. The same applies to algae and bacteria, which bind around 70 gigatons of carbon per year through photosynthetic CO₂ fixation, the so-called Calvin cycle, and thus remove it from the atmosphere. The metabolic pathways of the microorganisms that achieve this impressive feat are the focus of Tobias Erb's research. The Marburg microbiologist is primarily dedicated to the processes involved in the conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and is redesigning them.

The construction sector is facing the challenge of saving CO₂ emissions and resources. This applies to both new builds and the renovation of old buildings. Until now, cracks in concrete have been filled with plastic-modified materials such as epoxy resin. But there is also a more sustainable way, with the help of special microorganisms. Microbes of the species Sporosarcina pasteurii have the talent to seal cracks and pores in concrete under certain conditions and thus protect buildings from further damage.

The European Research Council (ERC) is the most important European funding organization for excellent frontier research. The Consolidator Grants, which are aimed at outstanding scientists in the middle of their careers, are among the most sought-after funding formats. They receive funding of up to 2 million euros over five years to consolidate their independent research teams and conduct research in their specialist disciplines.

In view of global challenges, markets and trade relations, a sustainable bioeconomy can only succeed through international cooperation. In 2012, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the "Bioeconomy International" initiative ("Bioökonomie International"), with the first projects starting the following year. Research alliances between German players and partners from non-EU countries are supported. The aim is to strengthen research cooperation with the world's best and tap into international innovation potential.

Microorganisms are important protein factories that can replace animal protein and thus contribute to a sustainable diet. The food tech start-up MicroHarvest uses these microbial helpers to produce new, healthy and sustainable protein ingredients. Two years after the Hamburg-based biotech company was founded, the first pilot plant was opened in Lisbon on November 16.