Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Identification of new and innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients
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.
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.