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Zellfreie Biotech Aufmacher

In-depth report

Cell-free biotech production

Cell-free systems dispense with the use of living cells in biotechnological production. Instead, all biochemical components necessary for the biosynthesis of molecules are combined in one reaction vessel. This dossier highlights different cell-free approaches and presents important applications.

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Prof Ian O`Hara von der University of Queensland

Interview

„Queensland pushes its Biofutures industry“

Ian O`Hara is a biotechnology professor in Brisbane and a leading expert on the Australian and international bioeconomy scene. He recently visited Germany.

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Freiformkachel aus biobasiertem 3D-Druck

In-depth report

3D printing for biobased products

3D printing has become a key technology in increasingly digitized industrial production. This dossier discusses the potential of 3D printing for the manufacture of bio-based products in food production, materials engineering and medicine.

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roh (rechts) und torrefizierte Hackschnitzel

Success story

Producing basic chemicals with wood and hot steam

Researchers have further developed the process of torrefaction to improve the material and energy recovery of plant biomass.

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Preview Bioökonomie-Ausstellung

Bioeconomy Exhibition

The bioeconomy has rapidly developed in recent years. What has been accomplished in the last five years alone is truly impressive: Many bioeconomy products have become bestsellers. Bio-based start-ups have grown into medium-sized companies. And established, traditional industrial companies are integrating bio-based production steps into their existing structures.

The latest from the bioeconomy

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Hotdogs

First approval of laboratory-grown meat applied for in the EU

Heidelberg-based Cultivated B is the first company in the world to submit an application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for approval of a cell-based sausage product.

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Weizenfeld

Selfish plant traits harm field yields

Artificial shading could help breed better, higher-yielding varieties.

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Biosensoren können Produktmoleküle detektieren und dabei leicht auszulesende, fluoreszente Signale in verschiedenen Farben ausgeben

ERC funding for the development of novel biosensors

Markus Jeschek, Professor of Synthetic Microbiology at the University of Regensburg, has received the European Research Council's 1.5 million euro ERC Starting Grant for the development of novel biosensors based on proteins and RNA.

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Einweihung der Pilotanlage zur Herstellung von Buchenzellstoff in Göppingen

New perspectives for the textile industry

A pilot plant for the production of high-performance fibers from beech pulp went into operation at the Technikum Laubholz in Göppingen.

Interviews

Prof Ian O'Hara

„Queensland pushes its Biofutures industry“

Ian O`Hara is a biotechnology professor in Brisbane and a leading expert on the Australian and international bioeconomy scene. He recently visited Germany.

Worldwide strategies

The bioeconomy is gaining ground all over the world. A large number of countries have now adopted bioeconomy strategies - with various focus areas. You can find them in the following overview.

Read more

In the spotlight

Bioeconomy inside

Geldbörse aus Teakblättern

Wallet

Concerns about animal welfare, the climate and the environment are increasingly prompting consumers to buy vegan imitation leather. Leave-based leather alternatives impress with their unique look and are biodegradable.

According to PETA, how many animals are killed worldwide each year for leather products?

That's wrong.

Correct

Arbeitshose aus Bananenfasern, Biobaumwolle und Bambus

Work trousers

A large proportion of all items of clothing produced world-wide is made of synthetic fibres such as polyester – and the amount is rising. A German textile company is looking for alternative solutions and presents biodegradable workwear from plant based raw materials.

Statistically, about how many items of clothing are bought by each German per year?

Unfortunately not, it is about 3 times more.

Correct!

Rührei auf einem Teller

Egg substitutes

Reports on egg factory farms and the health condition of hens has spoilt some people's appetite for eggs. But eggs without chicken – is that possible? Innovative plant-based products conquer the market.

What was the per capita consumption of eggs in Germany 2022?

Less than that. About "1 egg a day" does not hold true in Germany.

Correct!

Zahnseide-Spender aus Biokunststoff

Dental floss

Originally, dental floss was made of natural silk. In the 1940s it was gradually replaced by the synthetic material nylon. Nowadays, products made of bioplastic continue to drive the evolution of dental floss.

How much dental floss does every German use on average per year?

Unfortunately not. But this is the recommended amount.

Correct

Tampon

Tampon

Conventional disposable tampons are made of up to 90% plastic - and are therefore not only harmful to the environment but also to the health of those wearing them. A new tampon offers a sustainable alternative.

1 hectare of fertile land is needed to grow 3.5 tons of soybeans. What area is needed for the same amount of algae?

In fact, there are significantly fewer.

Correct.