What is IBWF (Institute of Biotechnology and Drug Research)?

Updated

IBWF is a non-profit research institute founded in 1998 by the microbiologists T. and H. Anke. It focuses on discovering and developing new biologically active substances and enzymes from fungi, with applications in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. It is relevant if you want to understand where fungal natural-product research happens, how a strain collection can support drug or crop-protection discovery, or how a discovery like the strobilurin fungicides moved from a fungal culture to worldwide agricultural use.

What IBWF does

The institute brings together microbiologists, biochemists, and chemists to work on fungal natural products. Its core activities include:

  • Identification, isolation, and purification of biologically active compounds
  • Finding new lead structures for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications
  • Developing and establishing a broad set of screening systems
  • Identifying and characterizing the molecular targets of active compounds
  • Studying the biosynthesis of specific substances and the regulation of biosynthetic pathways
  • Working with microbial enzymes for biotransformation, bioremediation, and other industrial purposes

This combination of natural-product chemistry and test-system development is what IBWF describes as its field of competence.

The fungal strain collection

A central asset is IBWF's large non-profit fungal strain collection, described as highly diverse. It includes:

  • Ascomycetes
  • Basidiomycetes
  • Zygomycetes
  • Imperfect fungi
  • Coprophiles and endophytes

Fungal extracts from each strain, plus a number of enzymes derived from them, are available for initial investigations into biological activity. According to the institute, this collection and its metabolites provide opportunities for collaboration projects with industry and academic partners in pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.

Track record and a notable example

IBWF states that its work is documented in over 400 publications and 20 patents on fungal natural products and microbial research, which it presents as confirming its leading international position.

The most cited commercial example is the strobilurin fungicides:

  • In 1977, Anke and Steglich described strobilurin A, a strongly antifungal antibiotic, from liquid cultures of Strobilurus tenacellus, a basidiomycete growing on pine cones.
  • In 1981, the molecular target was elucidated: the strobilurins act by inhibiting fungal respiration.
  • In 1986, the first synthetic derivatives were produced in cooperation with partners.
  • Strobilurin fungicides are now in worldwide use as agricultural fungicides, marketed by BASF and others.

When IBWF is worth paying attention to

Consider IBWF as a reference point or potential partner if you are:

  • Looking for fungal strains or extracts for early biological-activity screening
  • Researching natural-product leads for pharmaceutical or agricultural use
  • Interested in molecular targets, biosynthesis, or regulation of fungal metabolites
  • Exploring microbial enzymes for biotransformation or bioremediation
  • Seeking academic or industry collaboration in fungal natural-product research

For specifics on services, facilities, staff, and associated workgroups, the institute's own site sections on those topics are the appropriate next stop.