In order to understand how a mattress and a drug share the same scientific basis, you have to delve into the world of catalysis. Catalysts are chemistry’s “invisible helpers”: they speed up reactions without being consumed themselves. While traditional industrial chemistry often requires high temperatures, large amounts of energy, and heavy metals, biocatalysis makes use of nature’s own tools. Prof. Bornscheuer identifies enzymes from bacteria or fungi and modifies them specifically by means of protein engineering. By exchanging individual amino acids, his team makes the natural biocatalysts more robust, active, and precise. This leads to procedures that are not only more efficient but, above all, more environmentally friendly.
An award for the future of chemistry
The relevance of this research becomes clear when it is put into practice. Bornscheuer and his team achieved an important breakthrough in the fight against plastic waste: they identified enzymes capable of breaking down polyurethane—such as that found in old mattresses. This brings the vision of true plastics recycling into reach, drastically reducing our dependence on crude oil. Optimised biocatalysts also play an important role in the manufacturing of complex pharmaceutical drugs—such as high blood pressure medication—by enabling cleaner and more precise production processes.
In recognition of his scientific achievements, Prof. Bornscheuer was awarded the prestigious Otto Roelen Medal by DECHEMA and the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) this year. The award is one of the most important honours in the field of catalysis and recognises research achievements of particular industrial relevance. “I am particularly pleased that biocatalysis, as my area of expertise, has been recognised in this way. Previously, this prize has primarily been awarded for classical forms of chemical catalysis," says Bornscheuer.
From the laboratory to everyday use: when research becomes tangible
With “Wissen zum Greifen” [which loosely translates without the play on words to “Knowledge at your Fingertips”], the University of Greifswald is placing exactly this kind of research in the spotlight. This new video series features researchers whose work has an impact beyond the University, in areas such as society, the industry, and the environment. Episodes will be released at irregular intervals. “If we can use our enzymes to efficiently recycle plastics, we won’t have to use as much crude oil for this purpose,” says Bornscheuer. “And if we are able to produce better active ingredients, we will all benefit in the end.”
And this is how the new series will highlight what research at the University of Greifswald stands for: scientific ideas give rise to solutions for specific challenges—from more sustainable plastic recycling to the environmentally friendly production of essential pharmaceutical drugs.
The first video in the series featuring Prof. Uwe Bornscheuer is now available on the University of Greifswald's channels.
Further information
About the Otto Roelen Medal
The Otto Roelen Medal has been awarded by the German Catalysis Society (GeCatS) every two years since 1997. The prize money amounts to 5,000 euros and is sponsored by OXEA GmbH. The medal honours outstanding scientific achievements in the field of catalysis that are particularly relevant to the industry. Prof. Bornscheuer was awarded the prize in Weimar in March 2026.
About the “Wissen zum Greifen" series
The video series “Wissen zum Greifen” bridges the gap between science and practice by highlighting the potential knowledge transfer and impact of research at the University of Greifswald. The focus is on established researchers and their projects that have a tangible impact on society, the industry, or in directly practical applications. The series demonstrates the specific benefits of research and documents how knowledge is generated at the University of Greifswald and the positive effect it has on the world beyond the campus.
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Uwe T. Bornscheuer
Institute of Biochemistry
Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4, 17487 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 4367
uwe.bornscheueruni-greifswaldde
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