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, sustainable chemistry as well as 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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29.7.2025

Sustainable carbon fibers based on algae

Carbon fibers are essential in aviation, wind energy, and lightweight construction. However, since they are based on petroleum, their production has been very harmful to the environment. A research consortium led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now succeeded in developing a production process for carbon fibers from renewable raw materials.
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3.7.2025

SUNER-C concludes after three years dedicated to unlocking the renewable energy future

The SUNER-C project, initiated in 2022, has made significant strides in fostering a robust community dedicated to solar fuels and chemicals across Europe. The Coordination and Support Action funded by the European Union has successfully established a Technological Roadmap, outlining critical milestones for the implementation of solar solutions and aligning them with EU carbon neutrality goals. Through collaborative workshops, the project has engaged over 140 stakeholders to create a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, while also launching an interactive Community Mapping tool for R&D actors. Now, the project concluded with a Final Conference in Brussels on May 15, 2025.
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2.6.2025

Petra Kluger Joins Institute Management at Fraunhofer IGB

Petra Kluger became a member of the institute management team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB on June 1, 2025. She and Markus Wolperdinger will be leading the institute into the future and tapping into new markets. Kluger, an expert on tissue engineering and biofabrication, is adding her areas of expertise to Fraunhofer IGB’s portfolio in the health and nutrition segment. At the same time, she is also taking over as director of the Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP at the University of Stuttgart, which is cooperating with Fraunhofer IGB.
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28.5.2025

Publication on glycolipid biosurfactants by Sini Münßinger receives award

A publication on glycolipid biosurfactants from the working group of Dr. Susanne Zibek at Fraunhofer IGB has been awarded the Distinguished Paper Award 2025 by the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents. This award is presented annually by the American Cleaning Institute®. The article, which focuses on cellobiosolipids (CL) and mannosyerythritollipids (MEL), provides a comprehensive overview of the microbial production of these biosurfactants and their potential industrial applications.
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Expo 2025 | April 13 - October 13, 2025, Osaka

IGB research at the Expo in Japan

Our bio-based water-repellent textile coating with natural chitosan is featured in the circular fashion section of the German Pavilion.

Monthly seminar | September 11, 2025

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.

Course | September 2-4, 2025 in Reykjavik

Algal Biotechnology

The course provide introductory training and theory in algal biology, culturing, growth and biotechnology from laboratory to small scale facilities. 

Live event in Stuttgart | October 7, 2025

Biointelligence Summit

Explore biointelligent manufacturing, automated bioproduction, personalized health and New Food innovations. Connect with industry leaders shaping the future of life sciences and biotechnology.

 

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

 

Focus theme

Scaling up to industrial scale

Find out how process optimization works up to the industrial plant and how you can benefit from our expertise and infrastructure.

 

Statement

Against extremism

In a "Statement against extremism", the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft commits itself to openness to the world, democracy and academic freedom

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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.

More News

Annual Report 2024/25

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.