History

Institute of Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF), Kaiserslautern, Germany

At the IBWF, microbiologists, biochemists and chemists are joining forces to develop new biologically active substances as well as enzymes. Based on 25 years’ experience in these fields of research, we are able to offer a wide range of services. Our extensive and unique collection of fungal cultures and their metabolites, in combination with our own novel molecular biological test systems for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications, present excellent opportunities for collaboration with partners in industry and academia alike. Our products also include enzymes for biotransformations, paper production and other purposes. Our expertise extends to the characterization of molecular targets of active compounds, as well as the biosynthesis of specific substances and the genetic characterization of biosynthetic pathways.

The strobilurin-type fungicides are one example of a successful commercial application of a fungal product; they are currently in worldwide use and are marketed by the BASF Company and others. Natural nematicides are currently being developed on the basis of the omphalotins. Our discovery of galiellalactone has provided the first inhibitor of the interleukin-6-mediated signal transduction pathway. This pathway plays an important role in diverse inflammatory processes and is thus of substantial pharmacological interest. Our successful work and over 400 publications and 20 patents confirm the leading international position of the IBWF.

From fungus to fungicide - the success story of the strobilurins

In 1977, Anke and Steglich described a strongly antifungal antibiotic, strobilurin A, from liquid cultures of Strobilurus tenacellus, a basidiomycete growing on pine cones.

 

 

In 1981, the molecular target of the strobilurins was elucidated. Their activity was found to be due to an inhibition of fungal respiration.

 

 

First synthetic derivatives with enhanced UV stability were produced in 1986 in co-operation with the BASF Company. Subsequently, strobilurin analogues were developed into highly successful modern fungicides marketed e.g. as Stroby®, Brio®, Discus® and Juwel®.

 

 

 At present, strobilurins are among the best-selling fungicides worldwide, being used as plant protectants against most major fungal plant pathogens. Being derived from natural products, strobilurins are environmentally safe because they are rapidly degraded in the environment.

Activities

The IBWF is open for collaborative projects and joint ventures in the public sector as well as with industrial partners.

Research and development activities at the IBWF focus on the following topics:

Discovery and development of fungal metabolites for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.

 

Isolation, identification and in vitro culturing of Basidiomycetes, Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes and Zygomycetes.  Characterization of these fungi in solid state and submerged fermentations up to pilot plant sizes. Optimization of fermentations.

 

Isolation and characterization of metabolites and enzymes from fermentations.

Screening for new bioactive compounds of natural or synthetic origin. Development of test systems, including reporter gene assays e.g. in human cell lines and plant-pathogenic fungi.

 

Tests for antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic, nematicidal, insecticidal and cytostatic activities using enzymatic and cellular test systems.

 

Mode of action studies. Identification of cellular and molecular targets of new compounds.

 

Production and characterization of new fungal enzymes e.g. for the pulp and paper industry, production and characterization.

 

Biotransformations and bioremediation with fungi.

 

Biosynthesis of fungal metabolites.

 

The current projects are carried out with funding from major German companies, the State of Rheinland-Pfalz, the German Ministry of Science and Education (BMBF) and the European Union.

The scientific experience of the IBWF's senior scientists is documented in over 400 refereed scientific publications as well as numerous national and international patents. A class of new fungicides, the strobilurins, first described by Anke and Steglich in 1976 has been developed to very successful fungicides by the BASF Company (Stroby^®, Brio^®, Discus^®, Juwel^®). A new class of nematicides discovered in a joint project with the Bayer AG is on a good way towards commercial application. Other candidates are "in the pipeline".