Chemistry and Biotechnology Research and Services
Scientific research at the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology is oriented towards practical industrial applications.

Our Institute aims to bring specific competences together, an approach that is increasingly in demand in the converging fields of chemistry, biology and technology. We focus on issues faced by SMEs and large industrial organisations in the pharmaceutical, chemical and environmental sectors.
Areas of focus
Sustainable Solutions
We design and optimise biotechnological, biocatalytic and chemical production processes and techniques, that are involved in the development of pharmaceutical and chemical products, with a focus on automation and digitisation. We also further develop biotechnological methods to sustainably use and recycle raw materials and energy.
The following units perform research in these fields:
CC Biokatalyse
Biosystems Technology
Bioprozesstechnologie
Biobased Resources
Biochemical engineering
Cell cultivation techniques
Industrial Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Environmental Analytics
Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy
Pharma Innovation
We research and develop innovative therapies based on small molecules, recombinant proteins and cells. This encompasses the entire workflow, from target proteins of therapeutic interest, through to drug discovery and pharmacology, and formulation. In addition, we also develop new ways of producing tissue models for testing, diagnostics and therapies.
The following units perform research in these fields:
Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmacology
Phytopharmacy and Natural Products
Metabolic Tissue Engineering
3D Tissues and Biofabrication
Cell Physiology and Cellular Engineering
CC TEDD
Molecularbiology
Microbiology and Biofilms
Detection and Diagnostics
We apply and further develop instrumental and bioanalytical methods and technologies for the detection of individual substances. These are used in the environmental and food sectors and online, as well as for process monitoring in the life sciences. By developing new methods in laboratory diagnostics we help to ensure safe and efficient healthcare.
The following units perform research in these fields:
Sensor Technology
Analytical Technologies
Coffee Excellence Center
Environmental Analytics
Physical Chemistry
Bioanalytics
Biochemistry
Smart Materials
We create nano-structured and functional materials with specific properties which are applied in various life sciences fields, such as filtration and tissue cultures. The Institute benefits from a Metrohm Foundation endowed professorship that facilitates in-depth, competence-building research in the field of new materials and functional surfaces, independently of time-limited projects.
The following units perform research in these fields:
Functional Materials and Nanotechnology
Methrom Foundation endowed professorship
Polymer Chemistry
Basics Chemistry