Bacteriophages (phages) are, in the biological sense, viruses that are the natural enemies of bacteria. They are found everywhere in the environment where their host bacteria are also found. Phages exhibit several characteristics that make them exciting and promising candidates for antimicrobial therapy. For example, phages exhibit high host specificity for certain bacteria and consequently can kill pathogenic germs without negatively affecting human health or their natural microflora.
As part of our research, we isolate new phages from different sample matrices such as fecal or food samples using appropriate bacterial strains. The phages are then purified, characterized and tested for their antibacterial efficacy. In this way, we have already been able to identify effective phages for use against various foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli.
Bacteriocins are peptides or proteins secreted by bacterial strains to inhibit the growth of other bacteria. They are also produced by many bacteria used as probiotics. The use of bacteriocins represents a promising antimicrobial strategy because the sensory properties of foods are not affected by their use.
In our research work, we are investigating a wide variety of bacteria for the formation of new bacteriocins and testing their suitability for use against different foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli.
Organic acids such as formic, acetic, sorbic or benzoic acid have been used for many years as preservatives in food production due to their antimicrobial activity. In addition, organic acids can also help to reduce the entry of pathogenic germs into the food chain in primary production.
In our research work, we are trying to develop optimized organic acid combinations for use against foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter and to reduce possible resistance development.
LightCycler®480 II (Roche Diagnostics International Ltd)
- Real-time PCR
- 5-channel measurement (multiplex)
- Melting curve analysis
- Sample throughput: 96 per application
NanoDrop ONE (Thermo Scientific)
- UV-Vis spectrophotometer
- Quantification of DNA, RNA, proteins
- Purity analysis
Block cycler (Analytik Jena)
- Standard PCR
- Temperature gradient
- Restriction analysis
Mini Protean TetraSystem (BioRad)
- Western blot analysis
Qubit Fluorometer (Thermofisher)
- Concentration determination DNA, RNA
PFGE System
- Length determination of DNA pieces of chromosomal length
- Typing of bacterial genomes
ArrayMate (Alere)
- Antibody characterization, genotyping of organisms
Anaerobic workstation (dw scientific)
- Cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms
Microplate Reader (Tecan Spark)
- Absorbance measurement in microplate format
- Generation of bacterial growth curves
