The Cell Biology Group at the Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) is working on research in the Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology. Its research is based on different aspects of Coenzyme Q (CoQ) biology from its synthesis and rare mitochondrial diseases...
Coenzyme Q10 is the main antioxidant in cell membranes and lipoproteins protecting them against oxidation and preventing cell death by ferroptosis or atherosclerosis. Purple bacteria (PPB) are rich in coenzyme Q10 the main antioxidant in cell membranes and an...
Fraunhofer IMTE advances functional aquafeed innovation using purple bacteria. In Purple4Life, the team evaluates purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) as a circular, health-promoting ingredient for sustainable fish farming, demonstrating nutritional, physiological, and environmental benefits that support a transition towards greener aquaculture.
The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE, based in Büsum, Germany, encompasses the business unit Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources. This division focuses on sustainable and environmentally sound aquaculture development, addressing fish nutrition and husbandry, fish health and welfare, as well as experimental aquaculture systems. With its unique experimental infrastructure, IMTE enables high-replication scientific trials as well as semi-industrial-scale production of aquatic organisms. The institute implements circular economy approaches, combining these with the development of new animal welfare standards, optimized feeds, and adapted rearing systems
IMTE has a strong record of developing novel feed concepts and aquaculture systems with a focus on sustainability and welfare. The institute addresses challenges in fish nutrition & rearing, health & welfare, and experimental system design, linking small-scale trials with scaled-up production.
Its infrastructure allows both replicated scientific experiments and semi-industrial cultivation of aquatic species. The team applies advanced analytical, physiological, and health monitoring methods to characterize responses to novel feed formulations, supporting evaluation of functional ingredients under realistic aquaculture conditions.
Fraunhofer IMTE participates in Work Package 4: PPB Feed Evaluation. The team formulates and tests PPB-based diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Through controlled feeding trials, IMTE examines growth performance, deposition of carotenoids and Coenzyme Q10, antioxidant and immune responses, and fillet pigmentation and quality.
Their work will define optimal PPB inclusion levels and establish the role of PPB as a functional, circular feed additive that supports fish health, welfare, and product quality in sustainable aquaculture systems
These capabilities allow IMTE to perform precise and reproducible nutritional and health trials under experimental and semi-industrial conditions, linking feed composition to biologic outcomes.
IMTE contributes to networks in marine biotechnology, circular food systems, and sustainable aquaculture. It collaborates with research institutions, industry, and public stakeholders to drive innovations in aquaculture feeding, welfare, and system design.
Prof. Dr. Carsten Schulz – Project Leader, Head of Aquaculture Research. He oversees the design and execution of feeding trials and coordinates the nutritional and health evaluation strategy.
Dr. Frederik Kaiser – Senior Scientist & Contact Person. He specializes in feed technology, bioprocess integration, and physiological monitoring, managing the incorporation of PPB into experimental diets and the associated data analyses.
Together, they anchor IMTE’s contribution to Purple4Life, aligning nutrition, welfare, and circular aquaculture in pursuit of sustainable food systems.