High security laboratory

The high-security laboratories of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Bioresources Division in Giessen enable the research and testing of active substances on clinically relevant pathogens up to risk group 3. Work focuses on the identification of new and innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients from previously unnoticed sources, such as insects, the development of novel plant protection products for the control of invasive insect pests or the research of alternative, environmentally friendly pesticides for the preventive control of vector insects.

Our services

Testing of various products under safe conditions against the desired pathogens.

Ermittlung relevanter Daten zur Toxizität von Wirkstoffkandidaten in Zellkultur- und Insektenmodellen.

Identification of drug candidates based on the actual target germs using high-throughput methods.

Testung von neuartigen Pestiziden anhand von genetisch veränderten Insekten (z.B. Resistenzbildung).

Determination of relevant data on the toxicity of drug candidates in cell culture and insect models.

Testung von neuartigen Pestiziden anhand von genetisch veränderten Insekten (z.B. Resistenzbildung).

Utilisation of genetically modified pathogens and insects to identify mechanisms of action.

Testung von neuartigen Pestiziden anhand von genetisch veränderten Insekten (z.B. Resistenzbildung).

Testing of novel pesticides using genetically modified insects (e.g. development of resistance).

Infrastruktur

Flexible laboratories

 

Two laboratory rooms, each with their own airlock systems, can be used and equipped separately for individual projects. The technical requirements allow the laboratories to be securely separated so that sample and data protection are guaranteed. However, the two laboratories can also be combined for demanding projects, such as the establishment of high-throughput screening procedures.

Microbiological research and development

 

The laboratories have the technical equipment to work with airborne pathogens such as influenza viruses, the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and tuberculosis bacteria.

Insectarium

 

The high-security laboratories provide the necessary infrastructure to carry out work on insects. Mosquitoes, for example, are an important vector in the transmission of originally animal viruses to humans or farm animals. The establishment of insect models for research into antiviral substances represents a decisive contribution to the development of new types of drugs.

In addition, the insectarium enables the development of new approaches to the biological control of insect pests.

Our Projects

 

»ASCRIBE«

Screening bioresources to identify novel antiviral agents for the treatment of influenza infections

Are you also interested in this topic? Then please contact us!

If you are interested in a collaboration or a research and development service, please contact us!

Dr. Alice Czudai-Matwich

Laboratory head

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Phone +49 641 97219-225

Dr. Kornelia Hardes

Deputy Head of Department »Pests and vector insect control«

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Phone +49 641 97219-226