Ecotoxicogenomic Screening

The Ecotoxicogenomics Department at Fraunhofer IME develops and offers practical New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for investigating the ecotoxicological effects of chemicals and environmental contaminants. Our goal is to support industry and regulatory agencies with modern, molecular-based testing strategies to identify environmental effects at an early stage, reliably assess risks, and make development decisions in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Our Services

We combine established ecotoxicological models with high-resolution omics technologies – such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics – thereby enabling innovative approaches for:

• Mechanism-of-action analyses: via genome-wide profiling in relevant aquatic model organisms.
• Determination of threshold concentrations based on the transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD).
• Pre-regulatory substance screenings: for prioritizing and selecting substances for further regulatory testing, based on molecular fingerprints and metabolic changes.

Our studies are based on proven OECD guideline tests, which are specifically used and expanded for the development and validation of NAMs. In addition to the zebrafish embryo model, we also offer studies in other ecotoxicologically relevant organisms such as Daphnia, algae, macrophytes, and other aquatic test systems – depending on the substance class, exposure scenario, and regulatory requirements.

3R-compliant approaches for modern ecotoxicology

The Ecotoxicogenomics Department consistently follows the 3R principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine) in research and development. We develop and validate 3R-compliant approaches that enhance the validity of classical studies while significantly reducing animal use. Through the use of NAMs, such as tPOD analysis in the zebrafish embryo model, molecular effects can be detected early and integrated into risk assessment in a resource-efficient manner.

Your Benefits

With the ecotoxicogenomic NAMs from Fraunhofer IME, you benefit from:

• Early detection of ecotoxicological effects during developmental phases
• Scientifically sound decision-making bases for product development and approval
• Cost-effective, resource-efficient study designs with a strong regulatory focus

Our NAM-based and 3R-oriented solutions combine molecular precision with practical environmental assessment – for safe, innovative, and sustainable chemical development.