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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP has received regulatory approval to conduct activities at biosafety level 2. The laboratory complex thus opens up new research and testing opportunities for industry and project partners. This approval marks an important milestone in the development of the institute’s biomedical laboratory unit.
With the construction of the RESET E building, Fraunhofer FEP has laid the infrastructural foundation for innovative biomedical and biotechnological research. The spacious laboratory complex on the ground floor of the new building was occupied and put into operation in the fall of 2023 by the “Biomedical Laboratory Unit” working group. Following careful documentation and notification of the planned activities, as well as an on-site inspection by the State Directorate of Saxony, the competent authority granted approval in November 2025. The laboratory is designed, both technically and spatially, to meet all requirements for safe work with risk group 2 microorganisms. Biological agents in this category can cause disease in humans; however, their spread among the general population is considered unlikely, and effective prevention or treatment is possible.
Safe technology for practical research
Biological safety level 2 significantly expands the Fraunhofer FEP’s research scope. While the previous safety level 1 was limited to non-pathogenic microorganisms, safety level 2 now enables safe work with human samples, environmental samples, and moderately pathogenic pathogens. For the institute and its partners, this represents a direct gain in scientific and economic flexibility. The broader range of pathogens allows for research and testing opportunities that are more relevant to real-world applications, enabling experiments to be conducted under conditions that closely mimic real-world scenarios. At the same time, the strict regulations of this containment level lead to a significant increase in quality assurance and compliance – a competitive advantage for customers and project partners.
The Biomedical Laboratory Unit conducts experimental work in the fields of chemistry, biology, biotechnology, bioanalytics, and cell biology. The projects are aligned with the strategic themes of Fraunhofer FEP, including biotechnological resource extraction, sanitization, tissue preparation, smart farming, and water and wastewater treatment. In addition to applications for internal research projects, customer- and project-specific experimental setups and protocols are also implemented. Fraunhofer FEP’s unique strength lies in the combination of technical expertise, modern technology, and strict safety standards. Biological and chemical analyses are integrated with the institute’s core competencies, with all sample preparation, processing, and analysis conducted in-house. This enables reproducible, legally compliant, and reliable results using state-of-the-art methods and in accordance with current DIN standards.
New opportunities for innovative collaborations
“The approval of biosafety level 2 is the result of intensive, dedicated work by all stakeholders involved,” says Marleen Dietze, Biological Safety Officer at Fraunhofer FEP. “It opens up entirely new possibilities for us to offer our customers and project partners even more practical solutions. With this approval, we can address research questions that were previously beyond our reach. This significantly strengthens the competitiveness of the entire institute.”
Looking ahead, Fraunhofer FEP plans to continuously expand its service portfolio, extend the technology park, and build an expanded collection of microorganisms and cells in order to open up even broader application possibilities. In this regard, the laboratory serves as a competent technology and service partner for both industrial clients and public institutions. The institute is open to diverse forms of cooperation and specifically targets stakeholders in the fields of life sciences, environmental science, and biotechnology.
With the commissioning of the laboratory complex featuring biosafety level 2, Fraunhofer FEP completes its infrastructure for innovative research and services at the highest level. The institute thus underscores its commitment to accompanying and supporting companies and institutions in forward-looking developments.
Marleen Dietze
Behind this door, the future is being explored: A look inside our biosafety level 2 laboratory
Copyright: Fraunhofer FEP, Finn Hoyer
Safe disposal of biological materials: After the experiments are completed, bacterial suspensions ar ...
Copyright: Fraunhofer FEP, Finn Hoyer
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Business and commerce, Journalists, Scientists and scholars, Students
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Behind this door, the future is being explored: A look inside our biosafety level 2 laboratory
Copyright: Fraunhofer FEP, Finn Hoyer
Safe disposal of biological materials: After the experiments are completed, bacterial suspensions ar ...
Copyright: Fraunhofer FEP, Finn Hoyer
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