Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEWe are strengthening our research in the field of biopolymers with Prof. Dr. Bruno Moerschbacher
For over 20 years – ever since Prof. Dr. Bruno Moerschbacher from the University of Münster invited Fraunhofer IME to partner in his first European research project, CARAPAX – Fraunhofer IME in Aachen and later also in Gießen has been actively involved in research and development related to the biopolymers chitin and chitosan. With Prof. Moerschbacher's retirement at the end of this month, a circle is closing: his outstanding scientific expertise will strengthen the focus on biopolymers research at Fraunhofer IME's Münster location.
With over 190 publications, Professor Moerschbacher is a leading authority in biopolymer research. He has worked in this field since his time as a junior research group leader at RWTH Aachen University over 30 years ago. He and his team are elucidating molecular structure-function relationships of chitosans to determine the most suitable chitosan for each type of application, such as in agriculture or medicine. They focus on chemo-enzymatic and biotechnological approaches to produce, characterize, and optimize these multifunctional biopolymers.
This research's long-term goal is to develop environmentally friendly, consumer-safe pesticides and biostimulants for sustainable agriculture. In collaboration with partners, they are also developing technical and biomedical applications, such as the antimicrobial finishing of textiles, targeted drug delivery using nanoformulated chitosans, and scar-free wound healing.
A key aspect of Prof. Moerschbacher's work is bridging the gap between basic research and the practical development of knowledge-based products. We are delighted that Prof. Moerschbacher is strengthening our research in the field of "biopolymers" and contributing his valuable expertise.
Ausgewählte Publikationen von Prof. Moerschbacher
Richter C, Cord-Landwehr S., Singh R, Ryll J, Moerschbacher BM
Dissecting and optimizing bioactivities of chitosans by enzymatic modification. Carbohydr Polym 349: 122958 (2025) DOI
Hellmann MJ, Gillet D, Trombotto S, Raetz S, Moerschbacher BM, Cord-Landwehr S
Heterogeneously deacetylated chitosans possess an unexpected regular pattern favoring acetylation at every third position. Nat Commun 15, 6695 (2024) DOI
Sreekumar S, Wattjes J, Niehues A, Mengoni T, Mendes AC, Morris ER, Goycoolea FM, Moerschbacher BM
Biotechnologically produced chitosans with nonrandom acetylation patterns differ from conventional chitosans in properties and activities. Nat Commun 13, 7125 (2022) DOI
Basa S, Nampally M, Honorato T, Das SN, Podile AR, El Gueddari NE, Moerschbacher BM
The pattern of acetylation defines the priming activity of chitosan tetramers. J Am Chem Soc 142: 1975-1986 (2020) DOI
Weikert T, Niehues A, Cord-Landwehr S, Hellmann MJ, Moerschbacher BM
Reassessment of chitosanase substrate specificities and classification. Nat Commun 8: 1698 (2017) DOI