Overview on our research topics

Bacterial metabolism of steroid compounds

Steroids are ubiquitous organic compounds with diverse functions in eukaryotic organisms. In bacteria, steroids occur only as rare exceptions. However, many bacteria are able to transform and degrade steroid compounds as part of the global carbon cycle.  Continue

Bacterial degradation of synthetic compounds

Synthetic compounds are constantly and increasingly entering our environment. These include plastic, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and all kinds of industrial chemicals. It is desirable to remove synthetic compounds from waste- and surface-waters via microbial degradation.  Continue

Bacterial cell-aggregation and biofilm formation

In their natural habitats bacteria predominantly live in cell aggregates and biofilms. Cells within these multicellular structures have physiological properties that distinguish them from freely suspended cells. An important property of aggregated cells is a higher tolerance against stresses, such as toxic chemicals. Continue

Interspecific interactions of bacteria

In their natural habitats bacteria are engaged in numerous interactions with other microorganisms. It can be assumed that a high number of the genes within bacterial genomes, which encode proteins of unknown function, might have roles in interspecific interactions of bacteria. Continue

Curcumine based sustainable colours (CurCol)

The Interreg NWE project CurCol aims to demonstrate economic potential for the production chains from regionally produced plants to colourants in packaging. The project assesses three pilots for colourant production and application in plastic and paper packaging, by defining barriers, business cases and action plans. The focus of CurCol is on the yellow natural colourant Kurkumine. Continue

Civic participation in bioeconomy (BIOCIVIS)

In the field of bioeconomy, biotechnological procedures are promising tools for improving sustainability of industrial processes in order to reduce CO₂ emissions and the use of fossil ressources. These processes include the production of chemicals, wastewater treatment, or the production of biogas as a renewable energy source. Continue

Citizen-Science-Projekt: Abbau von Bioplastik im Heimkompost (KompoBioPlast@Home?)

Bioplastik wie PLA (Polymilchsäure) verspricht biologisch abbaubar zu sein. Das Citizen-Science-Projekt KompoBioPlast@Home? beschäftigt sich mit dem Abbau von Bioplastik im Heimkompost. In diesem Projekt können Bürger*innen zur Erforschung Plastik-abbauender Mikroorganismen beitragen, indem Sie Materialproben (v.a. das biobasierte Plastik PLA) in ihrem eigenen Kompost inkubieren. Weiter