Bioeconomy

There are some exciting developments in the expansion of bioenergy said the Baden-Württemberg Minister for Nutrition and Rural Areas Peter Hauk speaking at the conference Progress in Bioethanol Production Energy- Material- and Emission Balances.

The European Chemicals Bureau has contributed substantially to the new chemicals regulation REACH which entered into force on 1st June 2007 which aims to improve human health and the environment.

In conjunction with reference laboratories of the World Health Organization WHO medtech company Curetis AG is developing new technologies and products that identify the pathogens of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and their resistance. The solutions are impressive.

Careers and mobility international co-operation research infrastructures joint programming and knowledge sharing are todays main concerns of European research actors according to a report just published by the European Commission.

Project partners in developing countries will from now on be able to receive DFG funding.

Biopolymers are usually only of marginal interest at the Analytica tradeshow. Nevertheless BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbHs BiopolymersBiomaterials booth aroused a great deal of attention.

Some 30000 chemicals currently in use have to be pre-registered at the ECHA between 1st June and 1st December 2008.

The European Commission adopted a Recommendation on the management of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities of universities and other public research organisations. European organisations lag behind their North America counterparts.

The basic registration fee will range from 1600 for substances produced in volumes below ten tonnes to 31000 for those above 1000 tonnes. There will be up to 90 discounts for smaller firms.

A greek company is seeking partners for the tailor-made production of biodegradable packaging material.

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is providing total funding for research into biomass utilisation of 50 million euros. Biofuels remain an important research topic this is more than evident from the current debate on biofuel in Germany.

Press release - 07/04/2008

Bacteria for the production of better plastics

Nylon made by bacteria high-tech plastics from the bioreactor the BiopolymersBiomaterials cluster has plans to combine biotechnology with polymer technology and hence boost innovation in traditional industries such as the chemical and automobile industries.

Press release - 05/04/2008

Hezinger Algaetec: Bio-diesel should soon become cheaper

The system exporter Hezinger GmbH wants to act in future as a global supplier of photobioreactors for the breeding of algae in order to promote the extraction of bio-diesel from the vegetable oil of algae as an alternative to the use of wheat rapeseed and maize.

In Baden-Württemberg biopolymers are becoming an important focus of interest. The “Biopolymer/Biomaterials Cluster” organised by BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH, addresses the development and processing of bioplastics.

The database contains information that is important for plastics manufacturers. The database also includes data about commerically available biopolymers with the raw materials and practical value of the biopolymers being the most important factors.

Energy experts have been dreaming about using hydrogen as an inexhaustible energy source for a long time. However this vision has not yet become reality. The search for intelligent affordable methods that can be used to convert sun energy wind or water power into hydrogen has so far led to dead ends. However small algae might now pave the way into the hydrogen era.

Dossier - 28/03/2008

Bioprocess engineering - more than just the sum of individual disciplines

The inclusion of biological processes in production processes has huge potential for industry. Bioprocess engineering helps to produce materials more efficiently than ever before at the same time it opens up ways to new and often better products. Bioprocess engineering on the one hand is part of biotechnology but on the other hand it is also part of process engineering.

European biotechnology and life science enterprises can now submit their entries till 1 June 2008.

The BioRegio STERN Management GmbH and the Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH sent out invitations to the 7th Brüssels Background entitled Bio-energy Out of research. Into practice. Experts presented and discussed the latest figures and information on the subject of bio-energy.

The biotechnology sector is growing and new companies have excellent opportunities to establish themselves on the market. Dr. Michael Steinwand explains what companies have to beware.

Article - 10/03/2008

Sharks and the evolution of the locomotory apparatus

Zoologists at the University of Tübingen are investigating the biomechanics of swimming and the evolution of the muscles and tendons needed for swimming. Detailed information on how fish adapt to specific lifestyles help in the development of robot fish.

German research institutions and companies are invited to submit project proposals up until 31st May 2008.

Proposals for projects involving German and Argentinean partners can be submitted up until the 30th May 2008.

Dr. Wolfgang Fiedler head of the Radolfzell ornithological station was practically born into his profession. Born on the Mettnau peninsula which is close to the station Fiedler spent hours and hours watching birds as a child. Later when he was at school he worked as a volunteer in the ornithological station.

The biologist Dr. Thomas Schmitt is investigating how chemical communication an ancient form of dialogue developed during the evolution of insects. Although at first sight his investigations may appear to be basic research some of Schmitts findings also have the potential for practical application for example in combating pests in vineyards.