Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEOur Research
Our core research focus is the systematic and customized development of biotechnological products and processes for applications across the food, feed, cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
We have a particular expertise in using plants and plant cell cultures as sustainable production systems, allowing for the rapid development and on-demand supply of recombinant proteins and secondary metabolites in plant-based platforms — a concept known as Plant Molecular Farming.
Our proprietary Plant Cell Pack (PCP) technology enables the high-throughput production of hundreds of complex, functional product variants and allows the testing of different biosynthetic pathways for these products. We combine statistical experimental design (design-of-experiments, DOE) with model-based approaches and automated screening and testing systems to rationally optimize product attributes and conditions across all process steps—from design and production to purification. The PCP platform accelerates bioprocess development, reducing both the time and costs associated with bringing new product candidates to market.
In close collaboration with our »Precision Fermentation« department, high-performance plant cell lines are generated, and tailored fermentation processes are developed, enabling the large-scale production of complex proteins according to individual requirements and applications.