TY - CONF A1 - Song, Jessica T1 - (micro)Plastic biofilms: Keeping afloat by carving out a new niche N2 - As pervasive and persistent pollutants, microplastics exist alongside vast microbial communities in nature. These hardy substrates accumulate rich polymeric matrices from their surroundings that in turn offer nutrition and protection to diverse communities and their theatre of activity, representing a new ecological niche. In our research to date, biofilm communities demonstrate no specificity to plastic polymers but appear rather to be more strongly shaped by spatial and temporal factors. Other synthetic substrates such as tyre wear, however, signal towards some form of community selection that may manifest in the presence of leachates from the polymer itself. Contrary to these biofilms, polyaromatic hydrocarbons appear to observe the opposite pattern, with adsorbed concentrations on plastic more strongly dictated by the type of plastic polymer than the environment itself. Although community specificity has not yet been evidenced among different plastic polymers, our studies show that microplastics might shape communities in a different way. As suggested by our detection of carotenoid synthesis pathways and photosynthetic gene clusters among microplastic biofilms, we postulate this new niche to shape a specific functional toolkit adaptive among its members as a product of prolonged exposure to UV radiation at the sea’s surface. This opens exciting new avenues for further research into the functional capabilities of these biofilms and offers new perspective on their potential beyond subordinate processes such as biodegradation. Here, we present a synthesis of our collective research on microplastic biofilms, the factors that shape them, and their interactions with nature. T2 - MICRO 2024 Conference CY - Lanzarote, Spain DA - 23.09.2024 KW - Biofilms KW - Microplastics KW - Microbial ecology KW - 16S amplicon KW - Pollutants PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61990 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - A brief survey on open questions about laser-induced periodic surface structures N2 - The processing of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) represents a simple and robust way for the nanostructuring of solids that allows creating a wide range of surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, tribology, medicine, energy technologies, etc. While the currently available laser and scanner technology already allows surface processing rates at the m2/min level, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes hampered by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry. This typically manifests in difficulties to control the processing of LIPSS and in limitations to ensure the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This presentation aims to identify some unsolved scientific problems related to LIPSS, discusses the pending technological limitations, and sketches the current state of theoretical modelling. Hereby, it is intended to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry. T2 - E-MRS Spring Meeting 2022 CY - Online meeting DA - 30.05.2022 KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Surface functionalization KW - Industrial applications KW - Biofilm growth PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-54929 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Marano, Roberto T1 - A Customizable Procedure for Predicting Antibiotic Resistance Selection on Novel Antimicrobial Coatings N2 - The global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AR) has manifested in an increasing number of deaths attributable to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in recent years, with projections indicating a continued rise. Combating AR requires a multifaceted approach, one aspect of which involves preventing the spread of ARB in hospital environments via high-touch surfaces, which are known contributors to nosocomial infections. In conjunction with routine disinfection protocols and infection prevention measures, antimicrobial surfaces or antimicrobial coatings (AC) are increasingly being investigated and implemented to reduce microbial transmission via high-touch surfaces, thereby mitigating their spread in healthcare settings. However, similar to antibiotics, prolonged use of such surfaces may lead to the direct or indirect selection of ARB. To prevent this, targeted tests must be developed to predict potential AR selection before AC implementation. Materials and Methods As part of the Horizon-Europe-funded project "STOP" (Grant Agreement ID: 101057961), a novel antimicrobial coating is being developed and tested to reduce pathogen transfer on surfaces without selecting for ARB. To this end, two bacterial libraries (80 strains each) were assembled from the two species most associated with AR-attributable mortality worldwide, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as identified in the most recent comprehensive study [1]. Each library maintains a 50/50% ratio of strains resistant or sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins (E. coli) and methicillin (S. aureus), respectively—representing two of the most widespread resistance profiles. An adapted ISO 22196 method was developed using a reference benchmark antimicrobial surface (i.e., copper), with stainless steel serving as a control. The goal was to infer potential advantages of copper-unrelated antibiotic resistance phenotypes on the tested surface. Results Metadata, genomic data, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) data were collected for all selected strains in each library, ensuring diversity in sequence types (ST) of clinical relevance, antibiotic resistance gene profiles, and geographical origins. The method was calibrated on copper surfaces using a reference E. coli strain, establishing the initial parameters required for investigators to customize the test for a given AC. Procedural reproducibility was assessed by comparing results from independent operators. Discussion The two libraries are currently being screened against the selected copper surfaces to identify potential associations between the resistance phenotypes of the tested species and their observed survival rates post-exposure. Three mutually exclusive outcomes are anticipated: (i) a statistically significant survival advantage of resistant strains compared to sensitive strains, (ii) an inverse scenario where sensitive strains exhibit higher survival, or (iii) no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, post hoc principal component analysis utilizing metadata and AST data may help elucidate genetic traits that confer a survival advantage on the tested AC. Conclusions This test aims to assist developers of antimicrobial coatings and materials in assessing potential selective pressures toward ARB before these products are implemented and evaluated under real-life conditions. T2 - ESB Conference CY - Torino, Italy DA - 07.09.2025 KW - Antimicrobial-resistance KW - Surface antimicrobial testing KW - Materials testing PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64569 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Marano, Roberto T1 - A Customizable Procedure for Predicting Antibiotic Resistance Selection on Novel Antimicrobial Coatings N2 - This presentation introduceda new methodological approach developed to test antimocrobials implemented on high touch surfaces, inlcuding preliminary results on its use on reference antimicrobial materials. The seminar was organized by the 'Fast-real' project, funded by the Horizon Europe (project ID: 101159721). T2 - Novel strategies and considerations in fighting pathogens CY - Tartu, Estonia DA - 16.06.2025 KW - Antimicrobial-resistance KW - Surface antimicrobial testing KW - Materials testing PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64568 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Simon, Fabian T1 - A fast and simple extraction method for the determination of PFASs in soil samples - HR-CS-GFMAS a new screening tool N2 - Here, we describe a fast and simple extraction method for the determination of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) utilizing extractable organic fluorine (EOF) sum parameter analysis and high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) in soil samples. After extraction and separation of inorganic and organic fluorinated compounds, organically bound fluorinated compounds were indirectly determined via the molecular absorption of gallium mono-fluoride at 211.248 nm. The implementation of the decisions of the “Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants” as well as the “Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution” of the UNECE include the reduction respectively the elimination of PFASs in the environment. Currently, regulations aim to target single compounds (mostly C8-PFAS). But the PFAS group includes over 4700 substances, which are potentially persistent and toxic, thus target analytical approaches are not suitable for a holistic approach investigating the PFAS pollutant situation. Furthermore, forbidden PFASs are substituted by short-chain PFASs, thus the number of unknow substances is steadily increasing. For this reason, sum parameter approaches are more suitable to investigate and assess the pollution situation as well as derive exposure limits. Our developed analytical method was successfully applied to determine PFASs in soil samples from a polluted site. In view of steadily increasing numbers of PFAS substances, our method will make an important contribution in assessing the pollution situation as well as support policy makers in deriving exposure limits for PFAS in the future. T2 - ENSOr - International Workshop on Emerging policy challenges on new soil contaminants CY - Online Meeting DA - 06.05.2021 KW - PFAS KW - HR-CS-GFMAS KW - Soil KW - Sediment PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-52608 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jiang, Shixiong T1 - Adipokinetic hormones and their receptors in Blattodea: a comparative analysis N2 - Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a neuropeptide produced in the insect corpora cardiaca that plays an essential role in mobilizing carbohydrates and lipids from the fat body to the hemolymph. AKH acts by binding to a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR). In this study, we tackle AKH ligand and receptor gene evolution as well as the evolutionary origins of AKH gene paralogues from the order Blattodea (termites and cockroaches). Phylogenetic analyses of AKH precursor sequences point to an ancient AKH gene duplication event in the common ancestor of Blaberoidea, yielding a new group of putative decapeptides. In total, 16 different AKH peptides from 90 species were obtained. Two octapeptides and seven putatively novel decapeptides are predicted for the first time. AKH receptor (AKHRs) sequences from 18 species, spanning solitary cockroaches and subsocial woodroaches as well as lower and higher termites, were subsequently acquired using classical molecular methods and in silico approaches employing transcriptomic data. Aligned AKHR open reading frames revealed 7 highly conserved transmembrane regions, a typical arrangement for GPCRs. Phylogenetic analyses based on AKHR sequences support accepted relationships among termite and cockroach lineages to a large extent, while putative post-translational modification sites do not greatly differ between solitary and subsocial roaches and social termites. This study provides important information not only for AKH and AKHR functional research but also for further analyses interested in their development as potential candidates for biorational pest control agents against invasive termites and cockroaches. T2 - International Conference for Blattodea Research CY - Münster, Germany DA - 03.04.2023 KW - Adipokinetic hormone KW - Neuropeptide KW - Termite KW - Green pesticide KW - Adipokinetic hormone receptor PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58299 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Advanced lightweight applications – recycling versus reliability and fossil energy footprint N2 - Advanced light weight applications like aircrafts and wind turbine blades are made of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) with continuous fibre reinforcement and must withstand a high thermo-mechanical cyclic loading. The quality of the fibre matrix interface has a high impact on the fatigue life and was continuously improved over the years since the 50th. The fatigue life of glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) used in aircraft industry is 10 to 100 times higher compared to glass fibre non crimp fabrics used for wind turbine blades. To assure a constant and reliable high quality and strength of reinforcement fibres, synthetic fibre production is state of the art (CF, GF). There is a need for recycling GFRP and CFRP waste due to the upcoming use. Pyrolysis and solvolysis are more expensive than the mechanical route however enable a more sustainable recycling. Natural fibres and recycled synthetic fibres have a high scatter in quality and strength. Hence it is a challenge to optimize the production / recycling processes to get a reliable quality for any demanding (second life) application. Chemical routes for using renewables resources and recycling, is going to be a good approach especially for polymer-matrix systems to get 100% quality (back) compared to the state of the art. Finally, a proper design, life-time extension and repair is preferable to recycling to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible. T2 - 27. INTERNATIONALES DRESDNER LEICHTBAUSYMPOSIUM CY - Dresden, Germany DA - 13.06.2024 KW - Polymer Matrix Composites KW - Carbon Fibre KW - Recycling KW - Circular Economy PY - 2024 UR - https://leichtbausymposium.de/deu/ AN - OPUS4-60683 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rabin, Ira T1 - Advances in Characterization of Written Heritage N2 - The session discusses three brances of teh work on the manuscripts: ink analysis, parchment analysis by proteomics (Matthew Collins) and lipids (Mélanie Roffet-Salque); revealing of hidden text using AI. The example of Vesuvium Challenge is presented and discussed by Bren Seales. T2 - Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research Gordon Research Conference CY - Vaud, Switzerland DA - 07.07.2024 KW - Written Heritage KW - Vesuvius challenge KW - Proteomics KW - Lipids PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61203 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Nordholt, Niclas T1 - ALEE-AMC: Bacterial resistance evolution towards antimicrobial surfaces and development of a standardized test N2 - Background: Antimicrobial surfaces and coatings (AMCs) are important to protect man-made structures from biodeterioration and biodegradation. Advances in nano-structuring methods hold the promise of a new generation of AMCs. However, the evolution and selection of bacterial resistance to AMCs may threaten their efficacy in the long term. Therefore, according to the EU Biocidal Products Regulation, the risk of resistance development upon exposure to AMCs must be evaluated during product authorization. The same applies to the development of cross-resistances to other substances, for instance biocides and antibiotics. However, no standardized method exists to assess the risk of resistance and cross-resistance development upon exposure to AMCs during the authorization process. Objectives: • To develop a standardizable adaptive laboratory evolution experiment to be performed on AMCs (ALEE-AMC) • To assess performance and robustness of ALEE-AMC in a round robin test, using a copper AMC as reference • To uncover the mechanisms underlying evolution of resistance to copper AMC Materials & Methods: ALEE-AMC was developed based on an approved standard to determine the efficacy of antimicrobial surfaces (ISO 22196). ALEE-MC was performed on an antimicrobial copper surface as reference material and Escherichia coli as model organism. A round robin test was conducted with six participants to evaluate the reproducibility and applicability of ALEE-AMC. Evolved E. coli populations from the round robin partners were collected and subjected to phenotypic (antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ISO 22196) and genotypic (whole genome sequencing) characterization at BAM. Results: The results of the ALEE-AMC round robin test indicate that repeated exposure to copper can select for reduced copper susceptibility. However, failure of individual E. coli lineages to adapt to the copper surfaces was also observed. Evolved E. coli exhibited increased survival upon exposure to copper surfaces. Adaptation to copper did not induce cross-resistance to antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing of the evolved E. coli revealed high diversity of mutations among individual evolved strains, indicating the existence of multiple, underexplored evolutionary pathways towards increased survival of antimicrobial copper surfaces. Conclusion & Significance: ALEE-AMC offers a standardizable platform to assess the risk of resistance development towards novel and existing AMCs. Specifically, using ALEE-AMC in a round robin test, insights into evolvable survival mechanisms to copper AMCs have been gained. These mechanistic insights may be exploited to prevent the evolution against copper AMCs. In future steps, criteria need to be defined to provide guidelines for the authorization of AMCs based on the outcomes of ALEE-AMC T2 - International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium, Berlin, Germany CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Biocides KW - Antimicrobial surfaces KW - Resistance KW - Evolution KW - Standardized test PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61176 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Vogel, Christian T1 - Ammonium and nitrate in agricultural soils analyzed with the Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films technique N2 - The aim of this study was to investigate the passive sampler method Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) for ammonium and nitrate in amended soils. Therefore, we used soils from a pot experiment with maize where nitrogen (N) was supplied as ammonium sulfate nitrate (ASN), without and with a nitrification inhibitor (NI). The additional use of a NI can delay the nitrification in the soil and making the ammonium available for a longer period in the soil solution after its application. Homogenized soil samples were collected directly from each pot after one week of incubation before sowing and after harvesting the maize. Nitrate and ammonium in these soil samples were extracted using DGT devices equipped with a Putolite A520E (for nitrate) and Microlite PrCH (for ammonium) binding layer. Ammonium DGT which determined the mobile and labile ammonium forms based on diffusion and the resupplies from the solid soil phase, only showed a significantly higher amount of extractable ammonium with NI compared to that without NI for some samples. However, significantly lower values were found for nitrate of treatments with NI compared to without NI after harvest. Thus, the lower nitrate amounts for treatments with NI compared to the treatments without NI after harvest indicated the delay of the nitrification process by the NI. Furthermore, we compared also the ammonium and nitrate DGT results to chemical extraction with KCl solutions. The results demonstrated that the trends of DGT results and chemical extraction were complimentary through all the treatments. T2 - International Passive Sampling Workshop (IPSW) 2021 virtual CY - Online meeting DA - 04.11.2021 KW - Phosphorus KW - Diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) KW - Ammonium KW - Nitrate PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53698 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -