Pharmaceutical industry

Fewer ammonia emissions could save lives

Air pollution is most commonly associated with traffic and car emissions. However, there are a number of other sources for pollution, such as agricultural emissions due to fertiliser use. According to researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions by 50% could avoid the deaths of more than 250,000 people each year that are caused by air pollution worldwide.

Nanotechnology allows for larger 3D structures

Using the "DNA-origami-technique" researchers can fold single DNA strands into a three-dimensional double-stranded structure. Biophysicist Hendrik Dietz, Professor of Biomolecular Nanotechnology at TU Munich, is an expert of this field and has now developed a new way to make the tiny DNA origami structures larger by transfering viral construction principles to DNA origami technology. This enables him and his team to design and build much larger structures than before – now on the scale of viruses and cell organelles.

3D skin models to reduce allergens

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and fulfils a number of vital functions. However, the skin is also under constant “attack” – by the sun, water or allergens in clothing and cosmetics. In order to minimise or even exclude allergens in such products, they are tested on skin models in cell culture. For a better understanding of skin physiology the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences (MUAS) and BRAIN AG are developing a new three-dimensional skin model with the aim to provide new insights for health care and cosmetic applications.

Biological protective sheathing for teeth

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.

Natural substances to mask bitter tastes

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.

On the trail of good bacteria

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.

Storing and protecting active compounds with yeasts

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.

Tiny alginate "factories" create new wound dressing

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.

Gentle germ removal

The best advice against pathogens is to wash your hands regularly. But experts also warn not to go overboard; because aggressive cleaning does not only remove nasty germs, but also destroys good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy skin flora. The head of research and development at the Berlin-based Organobalance GmbH Detlef Goelling explains “If you destroy those, you create more room for pathogenic strains to attack the skin and cause infections.”

Innovative culture media for cell factories

For the pharmaceutical industry, cells are little living substance factories. These provide the foundations for the production, among others, of biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies for the treatment of cancer or rheumatism. The starting point in such manufacturing processes is the development of a reliable and stable production cell line. Here, the cells of a production organism are genetically modified, and a selection is carried out of the cells that exhibit the desired properties. These are then isolated and multiplied.

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