Molecular biological detection systems for hygienically relevant microorganisms have recently gained more importance compared to conventional methods. They have already been successfully used in various technical areas in biofilm analysis or for the identification of non-cultivatable but living bacteria (VBNC stages) and are therefore also a valuable analytical instrument in the field of hygienic quality control. Using these molecular biological techniques, differences in the behaviour of adherent microorganisms can be made visible, e.g. depending on disinfection measures, materials and water quality.
The working group uses molecular techniques to determine killing rates, particularly in new methods for disinfecting clinical and municipal waters with a high bacterial load. The aim is to be able to directly separate damaged or dead bacterial cells or their DNA from intact, robust bacteria at the molecular level. Regeneration processes that counteract elimination are also recorded at DNA or RNA level.