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.

 

Directly to ...

We research on your behalf

 

Directly to ...

We are researching this for you

4.9.2025

Fraunhofer researchers develop innovative diagnostics for detecting antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections

The rapid increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the most pressing challenges facing global health. A new transatlantic Fraunhofer research project aims to counter these threats with an innovative diagnostic approach: a microfluidic rapid test system using carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) will make bacterial resistance visible in just a few minutes, significantly faster than conventional methods.
more info

2.9.2025

CO2 recycling powers a new palm oil alternative for the cosmetics industry

After many years of research, the Mibelle Group, LanzaTech and the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have achieved a breakthrough in sustainable innovation: With the help of modern biotechnology, the partners have developed a CO2-based ingredient that can replace palm oil in cosmetics and other everyday products.
more info

1.9.2025

Harnessing Municipal Wastewater as a Resource

Sewage treatment plants do more than just clean wastewater. They are also sources of raw materials. In the KoalAplan project, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB are working with partners to recover high-quality products from municipal wastewater. These include ammonium, hydrogen and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which can be used to produce bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
more info

14.8.2025

Rapeseed protein for vegan burger patties and nutritious chicken feed

Food products containing proteins from plants, fungi or algae are becoming increasingly popular. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna, Germany, have now shown that previously rarely used rapeseed proteins are also a valuable source of protein alternatives: using the EthaNa process, they extract not only high-quality rapeseed oil from rapeseed but also a protein-rich rapeseed kernel concentrate, which can be processed for instance into burger patties and pasta or used as a nutritious feed in poultry fattening.
more info

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.

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.

Trade fair | October 8-15, 2025, Düsseldorf

K 2025

We show bio-based polymer building blocks and polymers made from biogenic residues and raw materials. Visit us in Hall 7.0, Booth SC05.

 

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

Always up to date

Events and Press releases

In order to send you invitations to our events or trade fairs, please register for our subscription service. You can conveniently receive press information via RSS feed.

 

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.