Your partner for research, innovation and education in bioprocess engineering
Passage du Cardinal 13b
1700 Fribourg
Switzerland
+41 26 429 66 22
bcc@hefr.ch
The BCC is an innovation, applied research and training center dedicated to biotechnology and bioprocess engineering, supporting industry and academic partners in the development, optimization, and scale-up of biological products. Its core research areas include bioprocess development and precision fermentation, recombinant protein production and purification, and the design of robust upstream and downstream processes including Quality by Design methodology. The center has strong expertise in addressing antimicrobial resistance through innovative biological solutions, including advanced microbial and phage-based approaches. Additional activities cover algae cultivation and bioproduct valorization, as well as the development of biomaterials and medical implants, combining biotechnology with process and materials engineering. Through its applied research, lab and pilot-scale infrastructure, and hands-on training, the Biofactory Competence Center acts as a key interface between research and industrial implementation in sustainable biomanufacturing.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Research Focus Areas
The BCC develops applied biotechnological solutions that address current and emerging societal and industrial challenges.
Biopharmaceuticals
The BCC collaborates closely with major biopharmaceutical companies in Switzerland, many of which are long-standing partners. Our expertise spans the full bioprocess lifecycle, including upstream and downstream processing, GMP-compliant operations, and process scale-up. Core competencies include the development and production of monoclonal antibodies and other protein therapeutics, phage therapy and other antimicrobial biologicals, medical implants, and innovative biological solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Food Biotechnology
The BCC develops biotechnological solutions for the food sector using microorganisms and advanced fermentation technologies. Our research includes precision fermentation, the production of proteins and lipids from algae, the development of probiotics and functional ingredients, and innovative applications in the dairy industry. We focus on creating sustainable, high-quality, and scalable processes to meet emerging consumer needs and regulatory standards.
Industrial & Sustainable Biotechnology
This research area focuses on the design and optimization of scalable bioprocesses using living microorganisms for the sustainable production of biomaterials and high-value bioproducts. Emphasis is placed on industrial feasibility, process robustness, and quality-driven scale-up to support the transition toward a circular and bio-based economy.
Areas of expertise
Upstream processing
- Microbial cultures (bacteria, yeast, fungi, microalgae) in shake flasks or bioreactors
- Suspension cell cultures and adherent mammalian cell cultures
Downstream processing
- Centrifugation
- Filtration
- Chromatography
- Tangential Flow Filtration - Ultrafiltration and Diafiltration
Phage Therapy
Medical implant for organ repair
Technology transfer and scale-up of bioprocesses
Process Characterization with Quality by Design (QbD) methodology
Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)
Aseptic processing and Good Manufacturing Practice in cleanroom areas
Training Courses
- Fundamentals of Upstream Processing
- Fundamentals of Downstream Processing