Technology Offerings

Wissenschaftler der Universität Bonn haben ein Verfahren entwickelt, um die Biogasausbeute bestehender Biogasanlagen signifikant und effizient zu steigern, ohne die Dimensionierung des Fermenters zu ändern.
Bedarfsgerecht kann durch Zugabe ethanolhaltiger Stoffe, z.B. aus der alkoholischen Fermentation etc., die Methanausbeute erheblich gesteigert werden. Die Methanproduktion kann dem jeweiligen Bedarf angepasst werden, sodass z.B. Energiebedarfsspitzen ohne Zwischenspeicher bedient werden können.
Die energiefressende Destillation von Ethanol, wie in der Bioethanolproduktion, kann dabei entfallen, da neben Ethanol alle weiteren organischen Materialien zu Biogas umgewandelt werden können. Optional kann auch ein Vorfermenter zur Herstellung von ethanolhaltigem Gärgut aus pflanzlichen Rohstoffen vorgeschaltet werde

Biological age is influenced by parameters, such as genetic background, disease and lifestyle. Currently, the biological age can be assessed by measuring telomere length, DNA rearrangements or protein alterations. However, these methods lack precision and have practical limitations.
Therefore, scientists of the University Hospital Aachen developed a new method using epigenetic modifications to track human aging.
Based on the analysis of DNA-methylation (DNAm) profiles an Epigenetic-Aging-Signature has been evolved which only requires measurement of DNAm levels at six specific CpG sites. The DNA can be assessed by locus specific pyro-sequencing analysis of bisulfate-converted DNA.

The present invention describes a novel 3D-bioprinting process for the production of a three-dimensional, biomimetic tumour angiogenesis model (3D-TAM). In a first step, a supply channel covered by an endothelial cell layer is generated using the 3D-bioprinting process and in a second step, tumour cells are embedded into a surrounding hydrogel-matrix cell-suspension. Then, angiogenesis will start from the supply channel towards the tumour cells (which release angiogenic factors) leading to a vascularized and perfusable tumour.

The heterologous expression of genes in prokaryotes can be challenging, especially if the genes originate from a distant host or if the source is uncertain, such as a metagenomic expression library. Many vectors have been developed based on broad host range origins of replication, but these tend to focus on either gram(+) or gram(-) prokaryotes. This invention regards the construction of a completely synthetic expression vector, namely pPolyREPII, based on both the pBBR1 and pWV01 origin of replication.

Scientists of the University of Muenster succeeded in turning a stress susceptible tobacco variety (Xanthi) into an exceptionally stress-tolerant plant using replacement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the rate-limiting step of the oxidative pentose-phos¬phate pathway (OPPP) in the cytosol by a specially suited plastidic isoform.
The G6PDH isoenzyme-replacement technology is a promising tool to improve not only stress tolerance in general, but also biomass production, seed quality and energy density of agronomically important plants.

Skin disinfection procedures in hospitals are still lacking a uniform and standardized handling. Therefore, more swabs and disinfectant are used than needed, resulting in unnecessary waste of material. Scientists at the University of Göttingen, Medical Department developed an easy-to-handle and standardized skin disinfection set.