Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
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Molecular Biology in Environmental Testing

Unlock insights into microbial communities, antibiotic resistance, and functional gene dynamics with advanced molecular tools for ecotoxicology and biodegradation studies.

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Molecular Tools for Ecotoxicology & Biodegradation Studies

Harness the power of molecular biology for advanced environmental analysis. Our expertise supports ecotoxicology and biodegradation studies. We offer integrated solutions for complex ecotoxicological and biodegradation testing by uniquely combining state-of-the-art chemical analytics with molecular biology tools. Our services include qPCR, DNA-based biomarkers, high-throughput sequencing, and advanced chemical tracing techniques — such as testing with radiolabeled substances (¹⁴C) — to deliver a comprehensive understanding of environmental fate and biological impact. This combination allows for a full characterization of test systems, from chemical transformation to microbial response and biodiversity shifts. With a focus on reproducibility, regulatory relevance, and scientific excellence, we provide tailored support for robust environmental risk assessments and sustainable decision-making.

 

What We Can Do?

  • Microbial Community and Diversity Analysis
    Assess microbial structure, composition, and dynamics within test systems using 16S/18S/ITS amplicon sequencing. Evaluate changes in community profiles due to chemical exposure (e.g., pesticides), compare treated vs. untreated soils, and interpret shifts in diversity in the context of environmental protection goals.
  • Functional and Resistance Gene Detection
    Use targeted methods such as qPCR and Quantigene assays to monitor functional genes related to biodegradation, redox processes, nutrient cycling (e.g., amoA, amoB), and to detect and quantify antibiotic resistance genes in environmental samples.
  • Microbial Activity and Viability Assessment
    Track the abundance and viability of specific microbial taxa, including active vs. inactive cells, with a focus on those playing key roles in degradation processes. Microbial Community and Diversity Analysis

 

Why Molecular Tools?

  • High Sensitivity & Resolution
  • Early Detection of Effects
  • Supports Weight of Evidence (WoE) Approaches
  • Applicable to OECD, ISO, REACH, and more
  • Supports regulatory acceptance with robust, reproducible data