Welcome to the Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
Our website provides an overview of our institute, our research and teaching activities, as well as information about available equipment, services, and the latest news.
Founded in 1986 by Herbert Märkl as one of the first university research institutes for Bioprocess Engineering in Germany, the Institute of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering (IBB) has a long tradition and wide expertise in the research and development of novel bioprocesses. Based on biosystems engineering approaches, we focus on the production of chemicals, fuels, and biomaterials from renewable raw materials.
‘Beginning with the end in mind’ – we strive to understand and influence the behavior and performance of microbial and cell culture processes at a laboratory scale. This forms the basis for knowledge-based scaling up to robust and at the same time high-yielding industrial bioprocesses. To predict scaling behavior as accurately as possible, we characterize bioprocesses at different scales using our in-house scaling platform, which also includes several scale-down bioreactor configurations.
At the same time, we specialize in investigating physiology at various cellular levels, with a particular focus on single cell physiology and phenotypic population heterogeneities. Our activities also include developing automated real-time bioprocess monitoring and control strategies. This core research is complemented by the screening of new microorganisms and metabolic engineering approaches to optimize them for bioprocessing, alongside developing new concepts for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Within the TUHH, we are active members of the research focus groups Biobased Processes & Reactor Technologies and Medical Technology & Biomechanics.
In teaching, we are actively involved in several B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs within the Department of Process Engineering—especially Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering—as well as the M.Sc. program in Biomedical Engineering within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In addition to offering classroom lectures and practical exercises aimed at a deep quantitative and systemic understanding of cellular and bio-molecular processes, we offer various lab courses. We firmly believe that alongside a solid engineering foundation, hands-on practical training is essential.
Our interdisciplinary, international team works in an open, collegial atmosphere. We are always open to collaboration—please reach out to us if you would like more information!
