Institute of Technical Biochemistry

We apply engineered enzymes in biocatalysis, and other engineered proteins in analytical devices. In our studies on biocatalysis, we have set out with lipases but by now are as much concerned with oxidoreductases, in particular with P450 monooxygenases which we wish to make ready for industry. In our analytical work, we have emphasised on environmental and food analysis, based on the use of recombinant antibodies and, more recently, of receptors. Biosensors have played a distinctive role in this context. The structure of the institute must necessarily reflect our areas of interest. It is divided into 5 centers of competence which are each supervised by one or several senior researchers.

Main Activities:

• The Molecular Biotechnology group

The Molecular Biotechnology group uses either free or immobilised enzymes in organic or aqueous media or whole cells for the production of fine and bulky chemicals as well as providers of beneficial food additives.

• Bioinformatics group

From sequence to function: how do sequence and structure determine specificity and selectivity of proteins.

• The Biocatalysis group

The working group Biocatalysis is dedicated to optimization of different enzymatic systems for biotransformations. Our activities cover protein engineering, assay development and enzyme reaction design.

• Analytical Biotechnology group

The Analytical Biotechnology group deals with the design of DNA-microarrays for the detection of microbial strains (mostly pathogens) and antibiotic resistance. In co-operation with other institutes and industrial partners in the PathIdent project we aim to develop a condensed microfluidic system for point-of-care diagnostic comprising a microarray for quinolone resistance.
Additionally, transcriptional analysis (mRNA) of hepatocytes links the microarray to systems biology projects. System level analysis of human hepatocytes to understand cellular functions and regulation in detail is a second field of research in our group. In this context the cells are analysed with respect to transcription and translation of genes, protein interactions and metabolism. Human hepatocytes are analysed in the framework of the HepatoSys project aiming at a holistic view on the detoxification of xenobiotics in humans.

Equipment:

• PCR equipment
• ABI377 DNA- and ABI418 protein sequencers
• Beckman Biomek 2000 robotic workstation linked to a Biorobotics colony picker,
• up-to-date GC- and HPLC equipment
• BiaCore 3000
• GMS417 Arrayer
• Pharmacia 2D electrophoresis equipment
• screen-printer and electrochemical devices for the preparation of amperometric biosensors
• fermentation plant with 6 fermenters up to the 40-L scale
• pilot plant for the down-stream processing of proteins which includes an Äkta Explorer
• 2 Pharmacia BioPilot modules
• ultrafiltration equipment and purification columns up to the 5 L scale
• FACS devices and other sophisticated equipment is available through partner institutes on the campus

Target Groups:

Chemical und pharmaceutical industry. Equipment manufacturers. Public institutions in environmental protection.