Institut für Bioverfahrenstechnik

IBSE (Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering) is a research and teaching institution which is focused on exploring fundamentals and applications of engineering for the biomanufacturing industry. Historically we had a strong focus on biopharmaceutical processing such as proteins and viruses using the most common host cell E. coli and Chinese Hamster Ovarian cells. Expertise was gained in upstream processing, with a focus on model-based control of fermentation and in downstream processing, with a strong expertise on process development, in depth characterization and modeling. We have taken on the challenge of the cyber physical depiction of bioprocesses and developed models for a variety of bioprocesses.  We have expanded our research activities to the challenges of new emerging infectious diseases and process intensification. Challenges in continuous integrated biomanufacturing, new manufacturing strategies and process modeling and control are well established research topics at IBSE. We try to practice a holistic view and therefore we also include economic and environmental modelling in our research. We are well prepared to contribute to the problems of our society.

IBSE offers training for undergraduate and graduate programs. The training follows the rules of the Bologna Process, with half of the courses being experiential learning and half lectures. IBSE is also the driving force of the PhD program BioProEng. In this program the next generation of bioprocess engineers are nurtured. For 20 years we have had programs in post graduate teaching and will expand this further. IBSE also operated a pilot plant equipped with bioreactors up to 1600 L and the respective unit operations for downstream processing. This pilot plant is also used for training and research purposes.

We consider ourselves a prime institution for bioprocess science and research.