Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

 

Aachen | Münster

Molecular Biotechnology

 

Gießen

Bioresources

Fraunhofer IME

Research from molecule to ecosystem

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. 

 

Schmallenberg

Applied Ecology

 

 

6.2.2025

Our latest paper is online!


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.

24.1.2025

Innovative solutions for the sustainable and energy-efficient use of insects in Giessen

 

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.

31.10.2024

PhD seminar at the Giessen site

 

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.

7.10.2024

Enzymes in spider venom have bioeconomic potential

 

As venomous animals, spiders use their chemical arsenal for prey capture or defence. Small neurotoxins target the central nervous system of their victims. While the toxins are intensively investigated, scientists at the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) in Hesse, Germany, have turned their attention to the enzymes also contained in the complex venom cocktail. They discovered a large, previously overlooked diversity of these proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. According to the researchers...

26.6.2024

New OECD Guideline (HYBIT) published

 

OECD test guideline published on June 25, 2024 covering the Hyallela azteca Bioconcentration Test (HYBIT). The test guideline provides a non-vertebrate test for bioconcentration in aquatic environments. We perform the Hyalella bioconcentration test with animals raised in the laboratory of Fraunhofer IME under standardized conditions. Fraunhofer IME offers testing adhering to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) principles.

3.6.2024

Salty soil sensitizes plants to an unconventional mode of bacterial toxicity

 

A collaborative study between researchers from the Fraunhofer IME and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research has shown how a single metabolite can render bacteria toxic to plants under high salt conditions. Their findings may have important implications for agriculture and plant health in changing climates.

30.5.2024

International Day of Potato


Today, May 30, 2024, we celebrate the first ever International Potato Day!

The global impact of potato is incredible
🥔 3rd most consumed food crop globally
🥔 159 countries cultivate it
🥔 5 000 varieties worldwide

We have a long history of working with our partners to advance the potato, from tools for accelerated breeding to pathogen detection.

 

 

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Locations

Aachen

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Divison Molecular Biotechnology

Forckenbeckstrasse 6
52074 Aachen
Phone +49 241 6085-0

Schmallenberg

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Division Applied Ecology

Auf dem Aberg 1
57392 Schmallenberg
Phone +49 2972 302-0

Münster

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Branch Lab for Plant Biopolymers

Schlossplatz 8            Johann-Krane-Weg 42
48143 Münster           48149 Münster
Phone +49 251 133418-11

 

Gießen

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Branch for Bioresources

Ohlebergsweg 12
35392 Gießen
Phone +49 641 9939-500