Food poisoning due to bacteria and chemical residues continues to be a problem in developed countries. Pathogens are the most frequent cause of food poisoning and pose a serious threat to human health. In the event of an outbreak, there is an urgent need for rapid and accurate identification of the responsible pathogenic agents in epidemiological source tracking.

We develop DNA-based diagnostic tools to overcome limitations inherent in traditional pathogen detection and conventional immunological typing. We can draw on a platform for DNA-based serotyping of Salmonella and offer a molecular microarray-based method for parallel detection of a range of bacterial food and water pathogens.

Another focus is on the development of customized DNA-based detection methods (including qPCR analysis) and protein-based rapid tests.

• Use of molecular biological technologies (PCR, microarrays) for the detection
       and quantification of microorganisms
• Development of immunological tests for bacteria, food additives and chemical
       residues
• Development of customized DNA- and protein-based detection methods for
       different applications

Reference projects:

• PathOrganic
• CD-MOFA
• AquaMikro