Founding member of the
Zuse community and the FTVT

Research

Applied research for human, animal and environmental health. We specialize in the development of new diagnostic detection procedures and new analytical methods. We are also developing new therapies for animal health (e.g. horses and dogs).

We combine our expertise in the fields of cell biology, in-vitro diagnostics, biotechnology and optical analysis internally with applications from our veterinary clinic and externally with the needs of large and small companies. Our department with the laboratory for food testing also creates the interface for healthy food.

As a business-oriented research institution within the Zuse Association, we are the link between science and industry. Our application-oriented research and development of processes and products enables rapid implementation on the market.

An overview of current investments andcurrent funding in research and consulting by the state of Thuringia can be found at the bottom of this page.

Department of Cell Biology

Targeted diagnostics and individualized therapy

We develop applications for the precise and efficient analysis of cells and microorganisms. We use next generation sequencing (NGS), fluorescence microscopy (immunofiltration) and flow cytometry for our research.

Using NGS, for example, we are researching rapid analyses of associated bacteria (microbiomes) and complex pathogen compositions.

In this way, we support veterinary diagnostics and lay the foundations for targeted and individualized therapies. On the other hand, we are creating new or improved analytical methods for the control of food and drinking water.

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Current research topics include

  • Biomarker screening for veterinary tumor diagnostics
  • NGS-based diagnostics of pathogens and tumors
  • Application development for fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry
  • Animal-free production of antibodies (artificial immune sera) in cell culture using in-vitro immunization
  • Production of recombinant therapeutic antibodies for horses

Biotechnology department

Development & production of microarrays

The focus is on the development, validation and production of single and multi-parameter assays for all applications in diagnostics and the life sciences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art microarray spotters and microdispensers, our Inter-Array department specializes in the development and production of microarray-based tests.

We support customers worldwide with an exclusive microarray printing service, from array design to data analysis.

From the feasibility study to optimization, verification and validation through to pilot production, we offer all phases of development.

After successful project implementation, we are available as a partner for ISO-certified contract manufacturing.

Department of Bioinstruments/ Device Development

Optical analytics meets artificial intelligence

Contactless optical analysis methods are used in a wide range of applications in the field of process and laboratory analysis.

We research and develop customized hardware and software solutions for innovative methods of hyperspectral imaging (HIS), UV, VIS, NIR and IR spectroscopy as well as gas analysis using ion mobility spectrometry. We also develop applications for microscopic analyses and applications using time-gated fluorescence detection.

For spectroscopic and chemometric services, ourmylab system solutions division is at your disposal with excellently equipped laboratories and the know-how of our experts.

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Fields of application

  • Hyperspectral measurements (400 nm – 2,500 nm)
  • Measurement of absorption, reflection and transmission
  • Scattered light measurements
  • time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy
  • Near Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Development of chemometric models for NIR spectroscopy
  • Development of AI-based evaluation methods for hyperspectral measurement data
  • Radiation optical simulations
  • CAD modeling and 3D printing

Department of in-vitro diagnostics

From antigen to point-of-care test / ELISA

Our department specializes in the development of immunological tests for veterinary and human medical applications. On the one hand, the focus is on new diagnostic tests for laboratories (ELISA). On the other hand, we are developing point-of-care tests for humans, animals and the environment (lateral flow assays).

We develop and validate complete test systems, including individual diagnostic components such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Novel detection markers such as fluorescent nanoparticles are also used here.

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Fields of application

  • Development and production of antigens and antibodies
  • Development and production of lateral flow assays/ ELISA
  • Preparations for the transfer to production

Veterinary clinic

New therapies and diagnostics for large and small animals

For 25 years, the scientists at the Veterinary Clinic have been working on application developments in orthopaedics and internal medicine.

The current focus in orthopaedics is on the development of autologous implants to replace joint cartilage and ligaments as well as instruments and implants for fracture treatment using osteosynthesis.

The internal medicine topics focus on the development of multiplex assays for molecular allergy diagnostics for horses and the improvement of tumor diagnostics in dogs using new biomarkers from liquid biopsy and their combination with findings from imaging procedures. Artificial intelligence algorithms are used for this purpose.

We are an active member of the ProAnimalLife and WildLifePro research networks.

Department and test laboratory for food testing

Analysis of food, cosmetics & environment

Research into new detection procedures and methods is needed to ensure the safety of food, water and cosmetics. Reducing analysis times or improving detection sensitivity play a major role here.

In addition to our activities as a laboratory service provider for food safety and consumer protection, we therefore also carry out extensive research and development of new procedures at fzmb.

Not only large and medium-sized companies benefit from these results, but also the numerous craft businesses in the region.

Our laboratory is accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN 17025 and certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001.

Current subsidies in consultation

Innovation voucher (Innoprepare) for the preparation of an R&D project

fzmb GmbH specializes in the development of microarrays for diagnostic applications. The term microarray stands for modern biochemical test systems that enable the parallel analysis of many individual determinations in a small amount of biological sample material. Microarrays consist of a large number of droplets, so-called spots, which are precisely applied to a suitable surface using high-precision microdispensing systems.

The project “Preparation of an R&D cooperation project for the development of an AI-based, adaptive microdispensing system” funded by the Free State of Thuringia is co-financed by ERDF funds from the European Union. As part of a service, the development of a defined task, measures to acquire the necessary cooperation partners and the performance of research and market analyses are being funded.

Project no.: 2025 IIP 0023

Term: 01.10.2025 to 31.08.2026

Innovation voucher (Innoprepare) for the establishment of a new R&D cooperation

The benefits of rapid on-site analysis of possible diseases or infections with the help of rapid tests are now known to everyone. The project “Preparatory activities for the joint project on the development of components for immunochemical lateral flow assays“, funded by the Free State of Thuringia, is co-financed by the European Union as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The objectives of the innovation assistance include intensive research into the state of the art for specific components, market analyses and potential R&D partners.

Innovation voucher for the establishment of a new R&D cooperation

Immunotherapies use the body’s own immune system to effectively combat inflammatory processes or cancer, for example. The project “Preparation of an R&D cooperation project for the development of an immunotherapy for special bone diseases” funded by the Free State of Thuringia is co-financed by the European Union. The objectives of innovation assistance include preliminary studies, intensive research into the status of these diseases, existing treatment options, market analyses, etc.

Entrepreneurial support – Subsidy according to consulting guideline

fzmb GmbH is not only a research institute but also operates as a medium-sized company. In order to work even more successfully with partners in foreign markets, we use intensive consulting and process support from independent management consultants. This project is supported by RKW Thüringen GmbH.

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Current investments in research

System for hyperspectral infection and hygiene control

As part of the funding program of the Free State of Thuringia for the promotion of research, technology and innovation (RTI), fzmb GmbH is planning a future-oriented expansion of its technological portfolio with the implementation of a system for hyperspectral infection and hygiene control. As part of the planned investment project, a novel, integrated system for improving infection and hygiene control will be realized that combines the strengths of hyperspectral imaging, state-of-the-art microarray technology and automated spotting systems. The aim is to develop innovative methods for the early detection of sources of contamination and for outbreak monitoring.

Supported by the Free State of Thuringia with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (funding code: 2025 WIN 0003).

Peptide screening and diagnostics workstation for high-throughput molecular screening and the development of multi-parameter diagnostics

As part of the funding program of the Free State of Thuringia for the promotion of research, technology and innovation (RTI), fzmb GmbH is planning a future-oriented expansion of its technological portfolio with the implementation of a “Peptide Screening and Diagnostics Workstation”. This investment project aims to expand existing capacities in research and development to enable innovative solutions in the field of medical diagnostics and personalized medicine using peptide microarrays to develop advanced diagnostic kits. This should make it possible to quantify disease-relevant biomarkers with high precision and speed. This represents a decisive advance, particularly in the field of early detection and screening of complex diseases. Fast and accurate diagnostics will enable improved patient care through early intervention.

Supported by the Free State of Thuringia with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (funding code: 2024 WIN 0004).

Development of Next Generation Sequencing platform

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a rapid response to the emergence of new, pathogenic pathogens and/or pathogen variants.

At the fzmb, we want to meet this challenge. We are establishing a next generation sequencing platform so that new pathogens (variants) can be identified and characterized more quickly. With the help of this high-throughput method, we can visualize even the smallest genetic changes (such as mutations) in a short time. On this basis, we can subsequently develop improved/adapted diagnostics such as rapid tests (lateral flow assays) for in-house use or ELISAs/microarrarys for laboratory diagnostics.

The project, which is funded by the Free State of Thuringia, is co-financed by the European Union as part of the REACT-EU Fund. The project was realized following a restricted invitation to tender without a call for competition in accordance with ThürVVöA as a sub-threshold delivery service. An NG sequencer from Illumina and the necessary computing hardware from Godyo GmbH were purchased for this purpose. An FPLC (Äkta pure 25 M) from Cytiva was procured for sample preparation and separation. A TapeStation from Agilent) was procured for quality control, a Qubit from Thermo Fisher Scientific for DNA quantification and a PCR cycler (TAdvanced from Analytik Jena). An Arpege170 cryogenic container was purchased from VWR for the storage of samples.

Expansion of the “Highly specific antibodies” technology platform

The emergence of new, pathogenic pathogens and/or pathogen variants requires a rapid response. We are taking up this challenge and investing in the development of specific antibodies for new pathogens. On this basis, we can subsequently develop improved/adapted diagnostics such as rapid tests, for example.

The following equipment was procured for the expansion of the “Highly specific antibodies” technology platform at the fzmb: An electrofusion and electroporation generator (Fisher Scientific GmbH, Schwerte) was procured for the preparation of cells for transfection. A fluorescence microscope (Thunder Imager 3D Assay, Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH, Wetzlar) including components and accessories, a microscope table with accessories (Thorlabs GmbH, Beikirchen) and the corresponding air purification system (KKT Kratochwill GmbH, Mühlhausen) were procured for the selection and characterization of antibody-producing cells. The project, which is funded by the Free State of Thuringia, is co-financed by the European Union as part of the REACT-EU Fund. The project was realized following a restricted invitation to tender without a call for competition in accordance with ThürVVöA as a sub-threshold delivery service.

Current state funding for research

Multi-Interact Research Group

Biointeraction technology based on 2D sensor materials for time-resolved multiparameter analysis in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics sector

The determination of biomarkers is an important factor in diagnostics and drug development. These indicators make it possible to recognize and classify pathological processes and to determine and monitor the course of therapy. Due to the diversity of these biomolecules, multiplexing technologies are very important for effective development processes in health research. In this context, a precise, kinetic determination of the interaction processes between the molecule groups should be carried out. This means that not only a high degree of parallelization of measurements, but also the simultaneous recording of the binding kinetics of the substances per measurement point provide important insights into the biological interaction. The Multi-Interact project addresses this research need and demonstrates the feasibility of the planned universal biointeraction technology using examples of various biomarkers. To measure the biological interactions, a biosensor based on graphene field-effect transistors functionalized with biomolecules via a carbon nanomembrane is being researched. These membranes are single-layer atomic layers, so-called 2D sensor materials, which enable very high sensory sensitivity and application-specific miniaturization.

Term: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2027

Supported by the Free State of Thuringia with funds from the European Social Fund Plus (funding code: 2024 FGR 0067).