Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

High security laboratory

The high security laboratories of Fraunhofer IME-BR allow the research and testing of active compounds on clinically relevant pathogens up to risk group 3. The focus of the work is on the identification of novel and innovative active compounds from previously neglected sources, such as insects, the development of new pesticides to control invasive insects or the research on environmentally friendly pesticides for vector insect control.

Infrastructure:

  • Microbiological research and development: The laboratories have the technical equipment to work with airborne pathogens such as influenza, the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, or tuberculosis bacteria.
  • Insectarium: The high security laboratories offer the necessary infrastructure to work on insects. Mosquitoes are an important vector in the transmission of originally animal viruses to humans or farm animals. The establishment of insect models for researching antiviral substances makes a decisive contribution to the development of novel drugs.
  • In addition, the insectarium enables the development of new approaches for the biological control of harmful insects.
  • Flexible laboratories: Two laboratories, each with its own airlock systems, can be used and equipped separately for individual projects. The technical requirements allow a secure separation of the laboratories so that sample and data protection are guaranteed. The two laboratories can be merged for space demanding projects such as the establishment of high throughput screening processes.

Services:

  • Cooperation partners can have their compounds tested against the desired pathogens by employees of the institute under safe conditions.
  • Identification of drug candidates based on the actual target pathogens using high throughput methods.
  • Determination of relevant data on the toxicity of drug candidates in cell culture and insect models.
  • Use of genetically modified pathogens and insects to identify mechanisms of action.
  • Testing of novel pesticides using genetically modified insects (e.g. resistance development).