New and improved cell culture techniques and their constitutive analytical measurement procedures have to keep up with the rapid development of future oriented therapeutic concepts. In this context standardization and optimization in the field of pre-clinical and clinical tests of active agents and vaccines are gaining significance. In line with this significance, the department of Cell Biology & Applied Virology is developing alternative cell culture systems and test procedures in various areas of stem cell research and nanobiotechnology. We support the development of active agents by using appropriate technology platforms like the transport and release analysis of therapeutic application systems across cellular barriers like the blood-brain-barrier.

Furthermore, we develop trendsetting platforms for the collection, preparation, conservation and distribution of reagents and clinical samples for global networks. Included are optimized processes of sample processing and their cryoconservation. In this context the Fraunhofer IBMT established a global HIV cryobank at biological safety level (BSL)-3 within the framework of the global initiative for the development of an HIV vaccine (Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery – CAVD), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This unique bank for viruses and other micro organisms has varied reagents at its disposal needed in vaccine research and resulting thereof, and which are further used for an extensive molecular biological and immunological characterization. This HIV cryobank is certified by a quality assurance program, under which all work is done and monitored according to the guidelines of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP). An additional development is the automated production of special agents (e.g., large-scale pseudovirus stocks). These materials, produced and tested under GCLP, represent the basis for further development of vaccines and novel therapies.