Biotechnology und Sustainability
Our research focuses on the isolation and characterization of novel bacterial and fungal species with agronomically relevant traits, serving as biostimulants for plant growth promotion or as biocontrol agents against insect pests and phytopathogenic fungi. We develop innovative, stable formulations—including liquid emulsions, seed coatings, and wettable powders—to ensure microbial viability and stability during application and storage, thereby securing consistent field performance.
Formulation strategies also optimize handling and facilitate integration into agricultural workflows. A key component of our work is optimizing drying technologies to enhance survival, shelf life, and storage stability of the developed microbial products. To support scalable production, we design advanced bioreactor systems alongside sustainable, tailored nutrient media utilizing agro-industrial raw materials and by-products.
Additionally, we pioneer sustainable applications of macrofungi-derived biomaterials to create innovative, eco-friendly solutions across multiple industries.
News / Updates
Here you can find small updates or project announcements:
Recklinghausen - Dec. 2025
Congratulations Merle (Identification of endophytic fungi from calamity area-dominant reed grass stands with molecular biological methods) and Liam (Development of new strategies to increase astaxanthin production in Corynebacterium glutamicum Asta*) on your excellent bachelor theses. It was a great pleasure to support you in your first research project! I wish you both much success in your master’s studies.
Research Projects
Here you can find a brief overview of currently ongoing projects. Curious about what exactly we are doing here? Then click on the individual projects and learn more about our exciting research.
Development of stable nano-emulsion.
Identification of endophytic fungi from calamity area-dominant reed grass stands.
Additional information will be provided shortly
Research Group
Since 2024, Prof. Dr. Desiree Jakobs-Schönwandt leads the Biotechnology and Sustainability research group at WHS. Her research expertise encompasses microbial biotechnology, sustainable production systems, and the development of environmentally benign materials.
Our multidisciplinary team integrates knowledge from microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry, and agricultural sciences. Together, we focus on advancing innovative microbial technologies and eco-friendly materials aimed at promoting sustainable bioprocesses and reducing environmental impact.
Bottom row from left to right: Lisa Scharfenberg, Jonah Voßschimidt und Kristen Wiethoff
Prof. Dr. Desiree Jakobs-Schönwandt – leads the Bioengineering and Sustainability research group. Her expertise includes microbial biotechnology, sustainable production systems, and the development of eco-friendly materials.
M.Sc. Axel Prietz – Research Associate
Student Opportunities
Here you can find information about internships, thesis projects, labor projects and student assistant positions, as well as guidance on how students can actively participate in ongoing research activities.
Currently, there are no positions available. Please check back again soon. Please feel free to contact us directly so that we can include you in our long-term planning.
Get in Touch
Prof. Dr. Desiree Jakobs-Schönwandt
Biotechnology and Sustainability
August-Schmidt-Ring 10
45665 Recklinghausen
E-Mail: desiree.jakobs-schoenwandt(at)w-hs.de
Phone: +49 2361 915 457
Publications
Here you can find a selection of our latest research outputs:
