IMET - Molecular Enzyme Technology | HHU Düsseldorf

Prof. Dr. Karl-Erich Jaeger

Dr. Thomas Drepper

Dr. Achim Heck

Dr. Ulrich Krauß

Dr. Anita Loeschcke

Dr. Stephan Thies

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Research topics and profile (related to bioeconomy)

Proteins and enzymes that can be utilized as biocatalysts or reporter proteins in industrial biotechnology and chemical industry are investigated and produced at the Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (IMET). The spectrum of methods encompasses the identification and isolation of novel biocatalysts by metagenomics, the development and application of novel expression systems, the elucidation of three-dimensional structures of proteins and their optimization by directed evolution.

Research topics:

• Metagenomics for the identification and isolation of novel enzymes
• Cloning and functional expression of single and clustered genes in bacteria
• Investigation of folding and secretion of bacterial enzymes
• Structure-function studies of enzymes
• Synthetic biology
• Analysis and control of microbial consortia
• Construction of novel fluorescence-based reporter proteins and biosensors
• Light-triggered regulation of gene expression and enzyme activity

Contributions to BioSC

At IMET, microorganisms and isolated enzymes are utilized for the biocatalytic conversion of substrates and the production of bioeconomically relevant secondary metabolites. Thus, the IMET provides an important contribution to the research area “microbial and molecular transformation” of the BioSC. IMET was involved in establishing a whitepaper, was a member of four SEED FUND- and four BOOST FUND-projects, five of which have been or are being coordinated by the IMET. Currently, IMET is partner in the FocusLab Bio² and coordinates the FocusLab CombiCom.