DiP – Digitalization of plant value chains

The “BegleitDiP project” bundles the development of methods for the accompanying scientific research in the DiP project. It establishes a participatory and learning sustainability monitoring system. The project analyzes regional stakeholder structures and develops transformation indicators and visions for the future together with the stakeholders. A regionalized socio-economic impact assessment based on holistic evaluation approaches supports the practical implementation of the innovations researched in the DiP alliance. Two complementary assessment models based on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) are being developed for this purpose. They make it possible to evaluate the various processes and technical concepts developed in the focus areas of the DiP model region and to classify their impact on the region. The modeling approach developed at the Halle (Saale) site of Fraunhofer IKTS will combine LCA and input-output methods in an extended hybrid model. By providing comprehensible interim results, BegleitDiP offers the collaborative projects an ongoing control function in their research work and also supports the development of the entire region. The information and indicators from the project are prepared and passed on to target groups in a suitable communicative manner, which takes place on a digital information platform (“dashboard”) with open access for all stakeholders.

Coordination: Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ, Leipzig

Partner: DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH

An AI platform for the rapid creation of biocatalytic cascades for innovative bioprocesses

In this project, an AI-supported platform is being developed that is capable of the automated design of multi-enzymatic cascades (enzyme chain reactions) to enable biocatalytic syntheses from renewable resources. Advanced AI algorithms are combined with an extensive enzymatic database to optimize the efficiency and sustainability of bioprocesses in industrial production.

Coordination: Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie

Partners: Fraunhofer CBP, OntoChem GmbH, EW Biotech GmbH, GISA GmbH, Symrise AG

Sustainably produced vegan vitamin D3 and cholesterol from the plant Nierembergia repens

This project aims to establish the plant Nierembergia repens as a new agricultural crop in Saxony-Anhalt in order to use it as a source of plant-based vitamin D3 and cholesterol for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. By developing innovative methods for cultivating and processing the plant, sustainable, vegan raw materials are to be produced and a new value chain established, which will also create new jobs.

Coordination: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Partners: GMBU e. V., Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie, Julius-Kühn-Institut

Digital supported expansion of bioeconomic value creation from the medicinal plant St. John's wort (Hypericum sp.)

The project aims to unlock the bioeconomic potential of St. John's wort and related species by identifying new genotypes, genes, enzymes and active ingredients for industrial production. It combines genetic and biochemical research with innovative technologies to strengthen Saxony-Anhalt as a leading location for medicinal plant cultivation and processing.

Coordination: Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie

Partner: DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH

New medicinal plants and active ingredients from Saxony-Anhalt

The aim of the project is to bring new medicinal plants to the region and create value chains from plant-based raw materials to bioactive substances. Drought-resistant plants such as rosemary, sage and Chinese henbane are to be cultivated in Saxony-Anhalt. Digital solutions for predicting maximum crop yields are also being developed. 

Coordination: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry

Partners: Fraunhofer CBP, Fraunhofer IZI, Julius-Kühn-Institut, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Optimization of lamiaceae to expand the added value of regional medicinal and aromatic plants

The project deals with the optimization of lamiaceae, a group of medicinal and aromatic plants, for the development of a sustainable value chain from agricultural production to processing into medicinal products and foodstuffs in Saxony-Anhalt. To this end, a comprehensive digital resource is to be created in order to efficiently record and utilize the genetic and biochemical properties of these plants.

Coordination: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Partners: GMBU e. V., Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung, Julius-Kühn-Institut, Dr. Junghanns GmbH

Sustainable production technologies for improved, phospholipid-based transfection agents (vaccines)

The project aims to convert lecithins from vegetable oil and biodiesel production into high-quality medical products. Through computer-based screening, improved transfection agents for mRNA vaccinations are to be developed in order to offer sustainable and effective alternatives to classic vaccine adjuvants. In addition, the aim is to model a biotechnological production chain in order to evaluate the commercial potential of this substance class.

Coordination: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry

Partner: Fraunhofer CBP 

Agroforestry digitization to promote the establishment of agroforestry systems at the landscape level as a contribution to climate resilience in southern Saxony-Anhalt and decarbonization of its chemical industry

In the project, digitalization is used to establish agroforestry systems at landscape level and thus contribute to climate resilience in southern Saxony-Anhalt and to the decarbonization of the regional chemical industry. Strengthening agroforestry systems and their value chains promotes sustainable and climate-resilient land management and creates an economically significant basis for the production of bio-based raw materials.

Coordination: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Partners: Fraunhofer IMWS, DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, DLG e. V., GISA GmbH, GMBU e. V., Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau, Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche Versuchsanstalt

Ceramides from fruit residues for bio-based health products

The overall aim of the project is to develop processes for the extraction of ceramides from apple pomace, a local residue from apple pressing. These ceramides are to be converted into synthetic adjuvants for human and veterinary vaccines as well as biocatalytically/enzymatically converted for processing into skin protectants/skin protection products. Resource-conserving methods and digital approaches are used to achieve sustainable use of biological resources in order to promote a circular economy approach.

Coordination: Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie

Partners: GMBU e. V., Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittbenberg, PKH GmbH (Apomix)