Laying of foundation stone in Marburg, Hesse
Research | New BSL4 high-safety laboratory at the Philipps University in Marburg: HT Group from Heideck supplies the safety containment
The HT Group is known for its state-of-the-art solutions in the field of safety laboratories and cleanrooms. The highest standards in terms of safety, planning quality, efficiency, technological innovation and transparency in cooperation are required here. “We are proud to be able to provide some of the central components and systems for a second time during construction,” says Thomas Fritsch, Managing Director of the HT Group.
With the construction of the new high-security laboratory, the Department of Virology at the Philipps University of Marburg intends to expand its cutting-edge research. It will offer almost three times as much space and have more modern equipment than the previous laboratory.
The new laboratory complex was planned by HWP Planungsgesellschaft. It comprises twelve additional laboratory spaces and thus has significantly expanded capacities for research, diagnostics and the development of drugs and vaccines against the most dangerous viruses.
According to the university, it has been conducting basic research into highly infectious viruses, such as pathogens like Ebola, Corona virus and the Marburg virus, in its high-security laboratory for years.
The laboratory meets the requirements of the highest security level 4 and thus belongs to a select group: There are only four laboratories of this safety class in Germany. The Marburg laboratory is the only one located at a university.
The new high-safety laboratory in Marburg. Image © HWP Planungsgesellschaft
Institute Director Professor Stephan Becker explained at the laying of the foundation stone: The Marburg institute is now an “internationally visible center” in virus research worldwide. For example, it was involved in the development of the first approved Ebola vaccine.
Becker emphasized: “Only with such laboratories is it possible to conduct research into vaccines against such highly pathogenic - i.e. life-threatening - pathogens.
Thomas Platte from Landesbetrieb Bau und Immobilien Hessen (LBHI), explains the large amount of technology: “There are around 20 square meters of technology for every square meter of laboratory space.” The building is also completely sealed off from the outside, explained Platte. It is permanently kept under negative pressure so that, in the event of a leak, air is only drawn in from the outside and no contaminated air escapes to the outside.
Thomas Platte also explained that although the old BSL4 laboratory was only 17 years old, it was already getting on in years. “Such laboratories have a useful life of around 20 to 30 years.” This is due to the fact that so-called dead air zones can develop in the ventilation system over the years - small areas that are no longer properly captured. Germs could then colonize there.
The HT Group's modular containment solution offers a flexible platform that makes it possible to replace technical components. This means that the old safety laboratory can also be brought up to the latest state of the art once the new building has been completed. This is particularly important in industries where technologies are developing rapidly, such as biotechnology and medicine.
The HT Group offers laboratory operators continuous support on several levels: from planning support and implementation to daily operation and maintenance. As a system manufacturer, the HT Group ensures that its solutions not only meet the latest technological requirements, but are also supported and maintained in the long term. This ensures smooth operation and the necessary flexibility to respond to future challenges or technological developments.
