Microbial Strain Collection: Identification Of High-Potential Application Fields

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This project set out to find and analyze industrial applications for the microbial strain collection at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME). While the collection is already extensively used in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food & feed sectors, it remains unexplored beyond these markets. By using a structured step-by-step process, the project translated properties of the microorganisms into relevant use benefits and assessed potential markets. Subsequently, the analysis prioritized the markets based on strategic fit and benefit relevance to find three high-potential candidates for future applied research and partnership development.  

Goal 

The goal of this project was to identify and assess application fields of Fraunhofer’s microbial strain collection beyond its current portfolio. The curated recommendations should support portfolio diversification, enable applied research, and uncover new partnerships by aligning biological capabilities with concrete market needs.  

Methodology 

For the first three steps (identification of use benefits, search for application fields, and evaluation of markets), the Technology Competence Leverage (TCL) framework was utilized. After conducting multiple expert interviews, the microbial properties were translated into five use benefits, which served as a toolbox for the application ideation. The broad set of candidates was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative criteria, including market sentiment, value drivers, strategic fit, and benefit relevance. As the final step,three high-potential candidates were analyzed further for market size, competitive and substitute landscape, users, and collaboration opportunities. All steps were done in close coordination with Fraunhofer IME and supplemented by secondary research. 

Results 

The initial ideation phase resulted in more than 30 potential application fields. Further analysis and prioritization yielded a shortlist of 3 high-potential fields: cosmetics, sustainable ink, and self-healing concrete. Among these, the use of biopigments for sustainable ink emerged as the most prominent opportunity. This recommendation is supported by clear sustainability drivers, concrete market needs, and announced industry interest. The findings serve as a structured resource for further decision making and define starting points for pilot projects. 

Cooperation Partner 

• ​​Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME 
  Branch for Bioresources 
  Ohlebergsweg 12 
  35392 Gießen, Germany 
   
  https://www.ime.fraunhofer.de/​ 

​​Contact Person​ 

• ​​Dr. rer. nat Sanja Mihajlovic 
  sanja.mihajlovic@ime.fraunhofer.de​ 

Student Team 

• ​​​Roksana Gasior 
  Max Gruber-Martinez 
  Laura Hromkovicova 
  Valentin Lohse 
  Oktay Mammadov 
  Lennard Mittermaier 
  Tim Oberdammer 
  Margaryta Vasylenko​​ 

Project Manager 

• ​​​Caroline Fabian, M.Sc. (LSE), M.Sc. (Eng.)​ 

• ​​Melina Mazzucato, M.Sc. (WU), M.Sc. (Nova SBE)​​