Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB

We combine biology and engineering

What can we do to conserve natural resources and protect the climate? How can we assure an equitable supply of food, water, and raw materials to the world’s growing population? And what can we do to improve the accuracy of diagnostic methods used to detect diseases, provide affordable drug testing, and develop personalized medicine for an ageing society?

Fraunhofer IGB develops processes, technologies and products for health, food and feed, a sustainable chemistry, the environment and climate protection. For this, we rely on the combination of biotechnological and process engineering competencies in order to contribute to human well-being, a sustainable economy and an intact environment with the systems approach of bioeconomy and bioinspired, biointegrated and biointelligent solutions.

We provide our customers with end-to-end solutions, from the laboratory to pilot-scale applications, accompanied by a wide range of analysis and testing services.

 

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28.4.2026

Biological recycling of electronic waste shows great potential

Microorganisms and microalgae can be used to recover valuable metals from electronic waste – in an environmentally friendly, selective manner with potential for industrial application. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB demonstrated this in a study. At IFAT 2026, the leading trade fair for environmental technologies in Munich, IGB will demonstrate how this biological recycling works using a fixed-bed reactor.
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28.4.2026

Fertilizer from local resources instead of fossil fuels

The prices of mineral fertilizers are rising. The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB is working on alternative production methods: Researchers have developed various processes and demonstrated them on a pilot scale to recover nutrients from locally available waste streams. Fertilizers ready for immediate use can be obtained from digestion residues, manure, and wastewater, as the institute will show at IFAT in Munich in early May. This circular approach strengthens supply security and protects water bodies and the climate.
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1.4.2026

Customized Fertilization

Overfertilization in agriculture weakens crops, endangers drinking water quality and harms the soil. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB are now developing an alternative fertilizer that is fully biodegradable and only supplies plants with the nutrients they actually need, thus preventing overfertilization.
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30.3.2026

Bio-based films and coatings made from chitin-containing waste materials

The processing of crustaceans from the fishing industry, the production of insect protein, and mushroom cultivation generate large quantities of chitin-containing waste. The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB has established a process chain for chitin processing to create added value from these waste streams. These technologies enable the production of high-purity chitosan, which can be used, among other things, for sustainable coatings. Transparent films made from chitosan are suitable for use as biodegradable single-use packaging and could replace petroleum-based plastics.
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Monthly online series

break2innovate

German-language online series: Focused, concise, and compact – in just 30 minutes, we will inform you about how we can work together to solve the current challenges facing your industry.

Trade fair | May 4.-7., 2026, Munich

IFAT

We will showcase the topics of biomining, nutrient recovery from wastewater, wastewater treatment, water reuse for municipalities and industry, and pathogen detection in wastewater 

Monthly seminar | May 7, 2026

Virus-based Therapies

Join our seminar at the Virus-based Therapies branch in Biberach (or online) where we have renowned experts share their insights into the various aspects of virus-based therapies.

In cooperation with BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg

Meet & Match Virus-Based Technologies

Join us for networking and matchmaking in Biberach and visit our VBT Reloaded evening event.

 

Fraunhofer magazine 3/2025

The Next Level in Tumor Diagnostics

Highly effective method for the early detection of pancreatic cancer

 

Project

POlyDiTex

Bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are being advanced as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based coatings for technical textiles.

 

Biointelligenz Blog

Sustainability award

Niklas Hug has received the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (HSHL) prize for his bachelor's thesis on new mushroom-based materials from the 3D printer.

 

Project

SmartBioH2-BW

Biohydrogen from industrial wastewater and residual streams as a platform for versatile biosynthetic routes

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Events and Press Releases

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Newsletter

For our partners, customers and all interested parties we offer a newsletter with current research topics, news and event tips.

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Annual Report 2025/26

Fraunhofer IGB Annual Report with numerous projects and results from IGB and CBP research.

Virtual 360° tours

Virtual 360° tour at laboratories and technical centers in Stuttgart

Virtual 360° tour of Fraunhofer CBP

Discover the plants and facilities of Fraunhofer CBP in Leuna with our 360° virtual tour!

Virtual 360° tour of BioCat

Discover the plants and facilities of Bio-, Electro- and Chemocatalysis BioCat in Straubing with our 360° virtual tour!

Events and trade fairs

Meet us at international fairs and visit our events.