1. NEXTGENMEDINKUBATOR (The modular biolab in a container)
In collaboration with the EFRE-REACT program, we are driving innovation through miniaturizing and automating process steps, to enhance integration capability in complex process sequences and enable the seamless transition to container-based concepts. Our modular biolab in a container offers flexible solutions for biotechnology start-ups, facilitating faster implementation of biotechnological processes.
2. RNAuto (Automated production technologies of mRNA-derived vaccines and gene and cell therapeutics)
Globally, the lack of GMP-compliant manufacturing sites and mature production technologies for innovative nanodrugs and cell therapeutics, poses major challenges to the healthcare system. However, barriers need to be broken down to extend the usage of mRNA-based vaccines for future pathogens and boost the application of mRNA-based tools for individual medicine such as gene and cell therapy. We aim at developing automated and digitally supported production technologies for faster, safer and reliable processes for mRNA-based nanomedicines meeting pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
3. BioTherNa (Biomimetic thermoresponsive nanomaterials for more effective cancer therapies)
Tumor cells commonly have an increased temperature of around 1-2°C compared to surrounding tissue. By packing hazardous active substances into envelopes that can be opened using a special switch of tumor cells we are able to specifically transport these cancer drugs to their target. The envelopes are made from a temperature-controllable material inspired from a biomimetic concept modelled on a completely natural process of the double helix of DNA strands. This approach should become more compatible with conventional chemotherapy with targeted and controlled release.
4. KmR (KONSORTIUM mRNA)
The BMWK sponsored consortium is focused on improving the production capacities as well as R&D of specialty lipids and other excipients for mRNA based medicines. We particularly contribute the knowhow in formulation technology and special nanoanalytics to develop microtechnology based formulations. This also includes production of novel lipid and polymer-based transport systems in a scalable manner for mRNA delivery and Theranostic application.
5. SFB 1552: Defects and Defect Engineering in Soft Matter
The utilisation of "defects" is, for example, of crucial importance for the func-tion of semiconductors or the properties of mechanical components. In contrast, the effects of such defects have hardly been researched in the colloid sciences. In an interdisciplinary DFG Collaborative Research Centre, we are working on this issue together with the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. Our aim is to introduce various nanoscale colloids as defects in membranes, to influence and understand their properties and effects, and to use them in a targeted way.
6. HybridCar:
The HybridCar project is developing a platform for the production of a hybrid nanocarrier system consisting of biogenic and synthetic nanocarriers for a targeted and at the same time tolerable therapy.
7. ERDERA (The European Rare Diseases Research Alliance)
Co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by INSERM, France, the ERDERA aims to improve the health and well-being of the 30 million people living with a rare disease in Europe, by making Europe a world leader in Rare Disease research and innovation, to support concrete health benefits to rare disease patients, through better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
With the goal of new effective therapies for rare diseases approved in the EU and beyond, our mission is to advance new types of mRNA nanoparticles including LNP, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and biohybrids and to demonstrate the scalability of targeted and optimized mRNA formulations.
8. SMARTFORM
The project aims to use artificial intelligence to develop a platform for the optimization and predictability of nanoformulation processes. Till date, these processes have been optimized manually and by recording individual data according to the trail-and-error principle. For this purpose, established formulations are produced at Fraunhofer IMM and their quality and efficiency are checked using analytical methods. By varying the production parameters, a comprehensive data set will be generated for the process simulation. In collaboration with Fraunhofer ITWM, this data will be processed and integrated into a simulation. This is intended to simplify through predictable effects of changed process parameters for faster and more efficient production.
Project Partners
- BioNTech SE
- University of Leipzig
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Lipoid GmbH
- Fraunhofer IZI-BB, ITWM
- nanoPET Pharma GmbH
- BASF SE
- Institute for Translational Immunology (TIM)
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM