Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

The core competencies of the Fraunhofer IME are structured in two divisions, "Molecular Biotechnology" and "Applied Ecology", on four locations. In Aachen and Münster, we establish demand-optimized plants, animal cells and microorganisms for various industrial applications. At the institute branch "Bioresources" in Giessen, which belongs to the "Molecular Biotechnology" division, a worldwide unique center for the exploitation of bioresources is being established. The division "Applied Ecology" in Schmallenberg concerns iteself with risk evalutation of synthetic and biogenic substances for both environment and consumers. 

On May 12, we join the global community in celebrating International Plant Health Day.
At Fraunhofer IME, we drive research and innovation in plant health. Ensuring plant health is crucial for guaranteeing food security, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through our research and collaborations, we aim to develop innovative solutions to combat plant diseases, pests, and other threats.

Read about our highlights of the past year.

A recent multidisciplinary study led by Dr. Alexandra Furch (University of Jena) in collaboration with apl. Prof. Gundula Noll and Prof. Dirk Prüfer (Fraunhofer IME, Münster), along with further experts, explores how plants convert pathogen perception into electrical signals, triggering local and systemic defense responses. Surprisingly, the evidence indicates that sieve element occlusion proteins, previously thought to be mainly involved in phloem sealing, also contribute to the signal transmission process.

In collaboration with Wolfgang Eisenreich (TUM) and Richard Twyman (TRM), our Münster colleagues analyze cis-prenyltransferases, essential for linear isoprenoid biosynthesis. This study offers insights into the localization, interactions, and products of the T. koksaghyz cis-PT family, revealing a previously unknown pentaprenol exclusive to flowers. The findings will enable the selection of targets for future experiments focusing on primary and secondary polyisoprenoid metabolites. Importantly, our study underscores the specialized nature of the T. koksaghyz rubber transferase complex, paving the way for the rational design of improved enzymes.

The Fraunhofer IME in Giessen organises networking meetings between science, politics and industry to promote the sustainable and energy-efficient use of insects for the circular bioeconomy.

The weapons available for fighting dangerous bacteria are losing their edge, and life-threatening infections are increasingly resistant to treatment. There are hardly any substitutes available so far, making it high time someone took action.

On the 29th and 30th of October, the joint Fraunhofer IME PhD seminar took place at our Institute Branch for Bioresources in Giessen, where we had the pleasure of welcoming 34 PhD students from our sites in Aachen and Schmallenberg.