ICB – Institute for Circular Bioeconomy

Our analytical expertise covers a wide range of applications crucial for advancing a circular bioeconomy. From evaluating pollutants and bioactive substances to tracking pathogens and pharmaceuticals, our team uses cutting-edge analytical techniques to assess water, soil, biomass, and products derived from thermal, biological, and chemical processes. We conduct in-depth analyses of both small and large molecules, assess toxicity, screen for resistances, delivering essential insights for environmental monitoring as well as the development of safe and sustainable products.

Our competence area of Didactics and Knowledge Transfer promotes the connection between research and teaching to optimally prepare students for the challenges on the path toward a more environmentally friendly future. We ensure the up-to-dateness of our teaching by integrating the latest research findings and strengthening the project-based nature of our degree programs. Students in our Bachelor's (Environmental Technology and Biotechnology) and Master's (Biotechnology and Process Engineering) degree programs have the opportunity to participate in ICB research projects and thus contribute to shaping the circular bioeconomy even while they are still studying.

This field of expertise plays a central role in a circular bioeconomy institute. It is the bridge between research and the practical implementation of innovative, sustainable solutions. It develops and implements processes for converting biomass into high-value products. This includes appropriate pre-treatment of bio-based material streams (e.g. using enzymes), production in (bio)reactors and purification of the valuable products. Model-based description and simulation, as well as the use of sensors, automation and artificial intelligence, help engineers to understand the process. This forms the basis for subsequent scale-up from laboratory to pilot to production scale.

Enzyme technology is a cornerstone of our bioeconomic research, where we focus on enzyme production, analytics, and characterization. Our projects delve into enzyme applications, including cellulases for biomass conversion and chitinases for bioprocess optimization, food and feed enzymes. Our enzyme research underpins the bioeconomy’s shift towards resource-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Our research focuses on optimizing microbial and enzymatic processes for circular bioeconomy applications. Our labs support every stage of biological research, from initial microbial cultivation to full-scale pilot testing.
We specialize in producing enzymes like cellulases and chitinases to repurpose cellulose- and chitin-rich waste streams as valuable raw materials.
Our bioprocess optimization for biogas production aims to maximize energy yield and enhance process stability. Furthermore, we employ anaerobic mixed cultures to convert CO₂ waste streams and green hydrogen into methane, contributing to sustainable energy and carbon management solutions. Microbiome analyses in this context not only provide insights into complex microbial interactions but also establish a foundation for informed, knowledge-driven process optimization.