Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB

We combine biology and engineering

What can we do to conserve natural resources and protect the climate? How can we assure an equitable supply of food, water, and raw materials to the world’s growing population? And what can we do to improve the accuracy of diagnostic methods used to detect diseases, provide affordable drug testing, and develop personalized medicine for an ageing society?

Fraunhofer IGB develops processes, technologies and products for health, sustainable chemistry as well as the environment and climate protection. For this, we rely on the combination of biotechnological and process engineering competencies in order to contribute to human well-being, a sustainable economy and an intact environment with the systems approach of bioeconomy and bioinspired, biointegrated and biointelligent solutions.

We provide our customers with end-to-end solutions, from the laboratory to pilot-scale applications, accompanied by a wide range of analysis and testing services.

 

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12.6.2024

Pathogen identification – next-generation sequencing optimizes diagnostics

Invasive infections such as sepsis require immediate and targeted treatment. Experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB and group partners have succeeded in establishing a reconceptualized detection principle that can make a crucial contribution to saving lives through fast, ultra-accurate pathogen identification. They have been chosen to receive the 2024 Stifterverband Science Prize for their efforts.
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2.5.2024

Functionalized Chitosan as a Biobased Flocculant for the Treatment of Complex Wastewater

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a biobased and functionalized flocculant to efficiently treat complex wastewaters. Furthermore, toxic phenols are removed from the water by the enzyme laccase in a chitosan matrix. The functionalized and degradable flocculant LaChiPur will be presented for the first time at the IFAT in Munich from May 13–17, 2024.
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1.3.2024

Adhesives from feathers

Adhesives are almost always based on fossil raw materials such as petroleum. Researchers at Fraunhofer have recently developed a process that allows to utilize keratin for this purpose. This highly versatile protein compound can be found, for instance, in chicken feathers. Not only can it be used to manufacture a host of different adhesives for a variety of applications, but the processes and end products are also sustainable and follow the basic principles underlying a bio-inspired circular economy. The project, developed together with Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, addresses a billion-dollar market.
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1.2.2024

Lab-grown canine skin provides a canvas for testing medical treatments

Reproducible in-vitro canine skin has been grown in a laboratory setting for the first time by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB. The research team developed a full-thickness dog skin equivalent based on native skin cells. This makes it possible to precisely test medical treatments in vitro on the sensitive skin of dogs. The skin equivalent can even be used to test the compatibility of care products such as shampoo or soap - eliminating the need for animal testing.
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Colloquium | October 10, 2024 in Stuttgart

Abwasserkolloquium

Our German-language colloquium on wastewater and waste treatment on October 10, 2024 will focus on high-load digestion and the use of digestate. 

Conference | March 12-13, 2025

Fraunhofer DDMC

The DDMC is a bi-annual cutting-edge forum for discussion on Additive Manufacturing, including its application in industry and the environmental impact of such new manufacturing technologies.

 

Focus theme

Scaling up to industrial scale

Find out how process optimization works up to the industrial plant and how you can benefit from our expertise and infrastructure.

 

Project

POWER2HYPE

Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water, air and renewable electric energy.

 

Statement

Against extremism

In a "Statement against extremism", the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft commits itself to openness to the world, democracy and academic freedom

 

Join our network!

urbanBioEconomyNet

Within the urban BioEconomyLab project, IGB is establishing a network in which stakeholders in Baden-Württemberg active and interested urban bioeconomy can share their experiences.

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Events and Press releases

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Newsletter

For our partners, customers and all interested parties we offer a newsletter with current research topics, news and event tips.

More News

Annual Report 2023/24

Fraunhofer IGB Annual Report with numerous projects and results from IGB and CBP research.

Our anniversary year “70 years, 70 voices“

We look forward to celebratory events and inspiring voices from employees, former institute directors, and companions and partners from the worlds of research, politics and business.

Virtual 360° tours

Virtual 360° tour at laboratories and technical centers in Stuttgart

Virtual 360° tour of Fraunhofer CBP

Discover the plants and facilities of Fraunhofer CBP in Leuna with our 360° virtual tour!

Virtual 360° tour of BioCat

Discover the plants and facilities of Bio-, Electro- and Chemocatalysis BioCat in Straubing with our 360° virtual tour!

Events and trade fairs

Meet us at international fairs and visit our events.