Production of Medicinal Products and Biofuels in Microorganisms
The production of medicinal products and biofuels frequently depends on energy-intensive procedures which are harmful to the environment. In the face of climate change, it is imperative to find regenerative alternatives. The use of plants, animals and microorganisms in the frame of a bio-economy strategy promises solutions. However, many of these production processes are still at the beginning of their development and further basic research is necessary to make these processes competitive.
Therefore, 18 students from different disciplines within the MIN Faculty have gathered (Molecular Life Sciences, Biology, Chemistry und Bioinformatics) examine innovative forms of production of biofuels and medicinal products. In our project, we use e. g. cyanobacteria, which naturally live in water bodies, consuming CO2 from the air and transforming it into biomass. Adding enzymes from other organisms, facilitates the production of secondary plant substances, especially Terpenes. These can then be used as medicinal products e. g. against malaria or cancer and as biofuel in the chemical industry. So far, a small yield avoids the industrial use of microorganisms for the production of these substances. We thus hope to improve the production by the fusion of two enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of terpenes and to establish alternatives for the production of medicinal products and biofuels on the long run.
Furthermore, we develop creative techniques, which teams working in biotechnology can use to develop new ideas and explore new paths public relations. During the pandemic, it became obvious that a wrong understanding of science may stoke fears. Thus, we work on different ideas, to make science more accessible. By combining science with art we intend to make the magic we feel in our research noticeable and raise interest in our work.
Additionally, we have participated successfully in the most important research competition for students in the field of synthetic biology with this research project in November 2021, the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM).
For more information see the following websites:
Student research group
- Justus Arndt
- Nico Bäse
- Ben Bimberg
- Marius Block
- Juliana Rivera Camacho
- Marie Eichholtz
- Marius Heitmann
- Ezgi Köz
- Mia Le
- Vanessa Lewandowski
- Justin Lübbers
- Mohammad Nour Nakkar
- Alea Osman
- Khadija Rombi
- Emilie Scheer
- Finja Schipke
- Lukas Schulte
- Marcel Zimmeck
Mentor
- Prof. Dr. Zoya Ignatova
Team photo
Project-Logo
Overview drawing
Painting CYP P450 Enzyme