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The Department of Aquatic Microbiology commenced its work in 1996 from the scrap. It took two years until the first laboratories were ready for scientific work. Grant applications were submitted which were successful from 1998. During this time, it was possible to establish and develop an intensive cooperation with the physics and chemistry departments, directing research work into physico-chemical properties of biofilms. Methods such as NMR-, FTIR- and CD-spectroscopy could be employed, complemented with confocal laser scanning microscopy and, later, atomic force microscopy (for further information see the pages of the department). The basic scientific work concentrates on the structure, functions and properties of bacterial biofilms. The Department of Aquatic Microbiology closely collaborates with the IWW Centre for Water; Prof. Flemming is one of the scientific directors of this institute.

Three major research areas can be distinguished:

Basic biofilm research

  • Detection, characterization, analysis and structure of biofilms
  • Physicochemical properties of biofilms (mechanical stability, sorption- and diffusion properties, optical properties, water retention)
  • Isolation, analysis and function of extracellular polymeric substances and, in particular, extracellular enzymes
  • Microbiology, biochemistry and physico-chemistry of microbial primary adhesion
  • Multicellular behaviour of bacteria, synthesis and degradation of signalling molecules
  • Biological degradation of particles

Drinking and process water microbiology

  • Contamination potential of biofilms for drinking and process waters
  • Role of biofilms as habitat for pathogenic organisms
  • Efficacy of disinfectants against biofilms
  • Monitoring of biofilm development on-line, nondestructively and in real time [Onvida]
  • Detection of biofouling
  • Biocide-free antifouling strategies and biofilm management and engineering
  • Characterization of iron and manganese bacteria in drinking water treatment

Interactions between working materials and microorganisms

  • Methods for prevention of material colonization
  • Microbial deterioration of synthetic polymers
  • Colonization of medical materials