Our competences

Our core competencies in the field of Microbiome Biotechnology are to be found in fundamental knowledge of the principles of bioconversion and the associated methods and technologies, supplemented by core competencies for microbiome management. This includes expertise in the field of molecular ecology in crop production and in the food sector, in bioinformatics as well as in cultivation..

Our research aims at a fundamental understanding and targeted control of microbiomes by use of approriate technology and management strategies in interconnected bio-economic production systems designed to produce and utilize biomass, including underutilized residues, for human nutrition, biomaterials and bioenergy. The overall objective for the non-food use of biomass is to develop biorefinery concepts that enable the complete use of biomasses and the closing of substance cycles. 

This requires a comprehensive understanding of the microorganisms involved and their metabolic performance in interaction with the respective technical processes. In this context, we examine individual species up to complex microbial communities and their interactions. Studies on microbial diversity within metabolic networks open up new ways to control complex biosystems and to develop artificial communities. 

For this research, our team combines the expertise of microbiology, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology and agricultural sciences.

Technical facilities and state-of-the-art laboratory areas are available for this work, providing also a platform for cross-program area research:

Pilot plant biobased chemicals
Biogas lab
Microbiology lab