4 Material und Umwelt
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Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 4 Material und Umwelt (239)
- 4.1 Biologische Materialschädigung und Referenzorganismen (62)
- 4.2 Materialien und Luftschadstoffe (51)
- 4.3 Schadstofftransfer und Umwelttechnologien (45)
- 4.5 Kunst- und Kulturgutanalyse (41)
- 4.0 Abteilungsleitung und andere (31)
- 4.4 Thermochemische Reststoffbehandlung und Wertstoffrückgewinnung (23)
- 6 Materialchemie (20)
- 1 Analytische Chemie; Referenzmaterialien (16)
- 5 Werkstofftechnik (7)
Virulence determines the impact a pathogen has on the fitness of its host, yet current understanding of the evolutionary origins and causes of virulence of many pathogens is surprisingly incomplete. Here, we explore the evolution of Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a herpesvirus commonly afflicting chickens and rarely other avian species. The history of MDV in the 20th century represents an important case study in the evolution of virulence. The severity of MDV infection in chickens has been rising steadily since the adoption of intensive farming techniques and vaccination programs in the 1950s and 1970s, respectively. It has remained uncertain, however, which of these factors is causally more responsible for the observed increase in virulence of circulating viruses. We conducted a phylogenomic study to understand the evolution of MDV in the context of dramatic changes to poultry farming and disease control. Our analysis reveals evidence of geographical structuring of MDV strains, with reconstructions supporting the emergence of virulent viruses independently in North America and Eurasia. Of note, the emergence of virulent viruses appears to coincide approximately with the introduction of comprehensive vaccination on both continents. The time-dated phylogeny also indicated that MDV has a mean evolutionary rate of ~1.6 × 10−5 substitutions per site per year. An examination of gene-linked mutations did not identify a strong association between mutational variation and virulence phenotypes, indicating that MDV may evolve readily and rapidly under strong selective pressures and that multiple genotypic pathways may underlie virulence adaptation in MDV.
Active antibacterial and antifouling surface coating via a facile one-step enzymatic cross-linking
(2017)
Prevention of microbial contamination of surfaces is one of the biggest challenges for biomedical applications. Establishing a stable, easily produced, highly antibacterial surface coating offers an efficient solution but remains a technical difficulty. Here, we report on a new approach to create an in situ hydrogel film-coating on glass surfaces made by enzymatic cross-linking under physiological conditions. The cross-linking is catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/glucose oxidase (GOD)-coupled cascade reactions in the presence of glucose and results in 3D dendritic polyglycerol (dPG) scaffolds bound to the surface of glass.
These scaffolds continuously release H2O2 as long as glucose is present in the system. The resultant polymeric coating is highly stable, bacterial-repellent, and functions under physiological conditions. Challenged with high loads of bacteria (OD540 = 1.0), this novel hydrogel and glucose-amended coating reduced the cell viability of Pseudomonas putida (Gram-negative) by 100% and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) by ≥40%, respectively. Moreover, glucose-stimulated production of H2O2 by the coating system was sufficient to kill both test bacteria (at low titers) with >99.99% Efficiency within 24 h. In the presence of glucose, this platform produces a coating with high effectiveness against bacterial adhesion and survival that can be envisioned for the applications in the glucose-associated medical/oral devices.
Innovation is the catalyst for the technology of the future. It is important to develop new and better technologies that can continuously monitor the environmental impact, e.g., for air quality control or emission detection. In the recently at BAM developed Universal Pump Sensor Control (UPSC3) module, different components and sensors are fused. The combination of the individual components makes the UPSC3 module an excellent monitoring and reference system for the development and characterization of gas specific sensors. Measurements over long periods are possible, for mixed gas loads or for certain gas measurements. The system is part of a mobile sensor network of several sensor units, which can also be used as standalone systems.
The motivation and objective of this research is to develop gas sensors based on fluorescence detection with range of ppm / ppb. For this task a reference system is required, which contains volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors for reference data from different scenarios. The integrated multi-sensor unit can measure different gases through the integrated 3-fold VOC sensor, which can be adapted to the addressed scenario. . The system-integrated flow control, with pump and flow sensor, allows the gas molecules to be transported directly to the VOC sensor. The entire measurement is permanently stored on an integrated memory card. If the previously determined limit range is exceeded, an alarm is generated. The system is an important tool towards further developments in the field of gas sensors and is primarily used for the validation of chemically based gas sensors.
Investigation of physical properties and chemical composition of writing materials generates important data that we add to the results of the codicological analysis of the manuscripts. In its individual materiality, each manuscript is the result of a wide variety of influences. The “life” of a manuscript starts with its production that includes preparation of the writing surfaces and inks; it is followed by the use and storage, and finally characterized by treatment during restoration. Using instrumental analysis we record the characteristics that still exist. Combining our data with those obtained from the palaeographical and codicological analysis produces a new powerful tool for reconstruction of the history of a manuscript.
Leaking methane (CH4) from infrastructures, such as pipelines and landfills, is critical for the environment but can also pose a safety risk. To enable a fast detection and localization of these kind of leaks, we developed a novel robotic platform for aerial remote gas sensing. Spectroscopic measurement methods for remote sensing of selected gases lend themselves for use on mini-copters, which offer a number of advantages for inspection and surveillance over traditional methods. No direct contact with the target gas is needed and thus the influence of the aerial platform on the measured gas plume can be kept to a minimum. This allows to overcome one of the major issues with gas-sensitive mini-copters. On the other hand, remote gas sensors, most prominently Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensors have been too bulky given the payload and energy restrictions of mini-copters. Here, we present the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Gas Sensing (UAV-REGAS), which combines a novel lightweight TDLAS sensor with a 3-axis aerial stabilization gimbal for aiming on a versatile hexacopter. The proposed system can be deployed in scenarios that cannot be addressed by currently available robots and thus constitutes a significant step forward for the field of Mobile Robot Olfaction (MRO). It enables tomographic reconstruction of gas plumes and a localization of gas sources. We also present first results showing its performance under realistic conditions.
Welche Themen und Fragestellungen haben den Fachbeirat der BAM, seine Arbeitsgruppen und die BAM seit der letzten Fachtagung in Leipzig beschäftigt?
Die Richtlinie Fremdprüfer und deren Anlagen wurden entsprechend der aktuellen Anforderungen angepasst. Die einzelnen Punkte wollen wir vorstellen. Im Zusammenhang mit Geotextilien zum Filtern und Trennen und Kunststoff Dränelementen wurden zwei Themen bearbeitet:
(1) Die europäischen Anwendungsnormen und das deutsche Straßenbaumerkblatt für Geokunststoffe verwenden statistische Begriffe. Deren nur „beiläufige“ Erwähnung lässt jedoch offen, was genau im Zusammenhang gemeint ist. Produkte unterschiedlicher Hersteller können daher trotz gleicher Angaben zu den Mindestwerten in den Leistungserklärungen oder Datenblättern deutlich unterschiedliche Eigenschaften haben. Um vorschriftsmäßig bemessen zu können, muss man jedoch wissen, was sich hinter den Zahlen verbirgt. Eine Zulassung oder Zertifizierung ist nur dann sinnvoll, wenn darüber hinaus einheitlich definiert wird, was die Angaben für die werkseigene Produktionskontrolle, die Inspektion durch benannte Stellen und die Kontrolle durch Dritte bedeuten. In den vergangenen Jahren seit 2009 wurde versucht, die Zulassungen stärker auf die Vorgaben aus der europäischen Normung zu stützen. Daher musste nun diskutiert werden, welche statistische Bedeutung die Angaben in den Zulassungen für Kunststoff Dränelementen und Geotextilien zum Filtern und Trennen haben. Hier musste eine einheitliche Regelung getroffen werden.
(2) Die Langzeiteigenschaften von polyolefinen Geokunststoffen sind maßgeblich von den eingesetzten Stabilisatoren abhängig. Wie kann hier eine Überwachung während der Produktion der Geokunststoffe implementiert werden, wenn die Rezepturbestandteile der Produkte sensible Firmengeheimnisse der Rohstoffhersteller sind? Hier musste eine Lösung erarbeitet werden. Über die Ergebnisse soll berichtet werden.
Wir möchten weiterhin über Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit Kunststoffdichtungs-bahnen (KDB) berichten. Die DVS (Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren) Richtlinie 2225-4 regelt das Schweißen der KDB auf der Deponiebaustelle. Werden KDB im strukturierten Bereich miteinander verschweißt, werden die Strukturen in der Regel vorher abgetragen. Die DVS Richtlinie sieht unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen von einem Abtragen der Strukturen ab. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde vom AK GWS ein Untersuchungsprogramm initiiert, das die Auswirkungen aufzeigen soll. Darüber haben wir bereits im letzten Jahr berichten. Das Untersuchungsprogramm wurde abgeschlossen. Die Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen werden nun vorgestellt.
Welche Themen und Fragestellungen haben den Fachbeirat der BAM, seine Arbeitsgruppen und die BAM seit der letzten Fachtagung in Leipzig beschäftigt?
Die Richtlinie Fremdprüfer und deren Anlagen wurden entsprechend der aktuellen Anforderungen angepasst. Die einzelnen Punkte wollen wir vorstellen. Im Zusammenhang mit Geotextilien zum Filtern und Trennen und Kunststoff Dränelementen wurden zwei Themen bearbeitet: (1) Die europäischen Anwendungsnormen und das deutsche Straßenbaumerkblatt für Geokunststoffe verwenden statistische Begriffe. Deren nur „beiläufige“ Erwähnung lässt jedoch offen, was genau im Zusammenhang gemeint ist. Produkte unterschiedlicher Hersteller können daher trotz gleicher Angaben zu den Mindestwerten in den Leistungserklärungen oder Datenblättern deutlich unterschiedliche Eigenschaften haben. Um vorschriftsmäßig bemessen zu können, muss man jedoch wissen, was sich hinter den Zahlen verbirgt. Eine Zulassung oder Zertifizierung ist nur dann sinnvoll, wenn darüber hinaus einheitlich definiert wird, was die Angaben für die werkseigene Produktionskontrolle, die Inspektion durch benannte Stellen und die Kontrolle durch Dritte bedeuten. In den vergangenen Jahren seit 2009 wurde versucht, die Zulassungen stärker auf die Vorgaben aus der europäischen Normung zu stützen. Daher musste nun diskutiert werden, welche statistische Bedeutung die Angaben in den Zulassungen für Kunststoff Dränelementen und Geotextilien zum Filtern und Trennen haben. Hier musste eine einheitliche Regelung getroffen werden. (2) Die Langzeiteigenschaften von polyolefinen Geokunststoffen sind maßgeblich von den eingesetzten Stabilisatoren abhängig. Wie kann hier eine Überwachung während der Produktion der Geokunststoffe implementiert werden, wenn die Rezepturbestandteile der Produkte sensible Firmengeheimnisse der Rohstoffhersteller sind? Hier musste eine Lösung erarbeitet werden. Über die Ergebnisse soll berichtet werden.
Wir möchten weiterhin über Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit Kunststoffdichtungs-bahnen (KDB) berichten. Die DVS (Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren) Richtlinie 2225-4 regelt das Schweißen der KDB auf der Deponiebaustelle. Werden KDB im strukturierten Bereich miteinander verschweißt, werden die Strukturen in der Regel vorher abgetragen. Die DVS Richtlinie sieht unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen von einem Abtragen der Strukturen ab. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde vom AK GWS ein Untersuchungsprogramm initiiert, das die Auswirkungen aufzeigen soll. Darüber haben wir bereits im letzten Jahr berichten. Das Untersuchungsprogramm wurde abgeschlossen. Die Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen werden nun vorgestellt.
Analysis of writing materials in Genizah fragments written during the first half of the XIth century
(2017)
My doctoral dissertation in progress focuses on ink composition on some fragments found in the Cairo Genizah and written by the leaders of the Jewish communities in Fustat during the first half of the XIth century. This is a project at the intersection of historical (Hebrew paleography) and scientific (physics, chemistry and materials science) disciplines. Indeed, I’m analyzing the corpus I constituted (written by Ephraim ben Shemarya and Yephet ben David from the Palestinian congregation and Elhanan ben Shemarya, Abraham ben Sahlan and Sahlan ben Abraham from the Babylonian community). The interests of such a study are numerous: provide insights on trade, local technologies, and social structures. If sufficient data is collected, the tabulated results have the potential for use as an indirect geochronological marker, in particular in the case of iron-gall ink. The composition of the vitriol used for the iron-gall ink preparation depends on the place of extraction. While attributing the vitriol used to a specific source of extraction is seldom possible, a number of origins can be excluded thanks to such analysis. Though ink composition alone cannot be used as a direct geochronological marker, superposition of chemical, palaeographical, codicological, and textual data would help to date and localize and serve as an additional argument for a typology and dating of other Hebrew scripts.
Microbial symbionts of insects provide a range of ecological traits to their hosts that are beneficial in the context of biotic interactions. However, little is known about insect symbiont-mediated adaptation to the abiotic environment, for example, temperature and humidity. Here, we report on an ancient clade of intracellular, bacteriome-located Bacteroidetes symbionts that are associated with grain and Wood pest beetles of the phylogenetically distant families Silvanidae and Bostrichidae. In the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis, we demonstrate that the symbionts affect cuticle thickness, melanization and hydrocarbon profile, enhancing desiccation resistance and thereby strongly improving fitness under dry conditions. Together with earlier observations on Symbiont contributions to cuticle biosynthesis in weevils, our findings indicate that convergent acquisitions of bacterial mutualists represented key adaptations enabling diverse pest beetle groups to survive and proliferate under the low ambient humidity that characterizes dry grain storage facilities.
Emission testing of products is currently a rapidly increasing field of measurement activity. Labelling procedures for construction products are based on such emission test chamber measurements and hence measurement performance should be verified. A suited procedure for this purpose is the testing of one unique homogenous material in different laboratories within a Round Robin Test (RRT). Therefore, it is useful to have a reference material which can be used within inter-laboratory studies or as part of the quality management system to ensure comparable results. Several approaches on the development of reproducibly emitting materials have been published. These have in common only to emit a single VOC – toluene. Two further research studies carried out by BAM aimed to develop reference material for emissions testing containing one or more VOC in a single material. The first approach was a doped lacquer with Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC/SVOC) and the second was Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or a Squalane/Paraffin mixture. Results received with the lacquer based material were presented in more detail.
Die BAM wurde 2009 u. a. mit der Zulassung von Bewehrungsgittern für den Deponiebau beauftragt. Der Stand von Wissenschaft und Technik bot jedoch keine ausreichende Grundlage, die tatsächlich relevanten Widerstände und die mit diesen Widerständen verbundene Wechselwirkung zwischen Gitter und Boden im Hinblick auf eine mindestens 100-jährige Funktionsdauer realistisch beurteilen zu können. Es wurde daher nur eine vorläufige Zulassungsrichtlinie für diese Produkte erarbeitet. In der Zwischenzeit hat sich ein neuer Kenntnisstand ergeben. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat die AG (Arbeitsgruppe) Geogitter des Fachbeirats der BAM am 26.09.2017 getagt. Es sollen die aktuellen Erkenntnisse und Schlussfolgerungen für die Zulassung in Kürze vorgestellt werden. Die entsprechenden Kapitel beruhen dabei auf einem Arbeitspapier von W.W. Müller und dem Autoren, das der Arbeitsgruppe zur Diskussion vorgelegt wurde.
Weiterhin soll über Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit Kunststoffdichtungsbahnen (KDB) berichtet werden. Die Anforderungen an die Schweißzusätze für das Extrusionsschweißen wurden angepasst. Zudem soll über die aktuelle Diskussion der Schweißbarkeit unterschiedlicher HDPE Materialien informiert werden. Die maßgebliche DVS (Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren) Richtlinie 2225-4 wird derzeit offenbar so ausgelegt, dass Materialien mit völlig unterschiedlichen Schmelze-Massefließrate miteinander verbunden werden könnten. Dies steht allerdings im grundlegenden Widerspruch zum Stand der Technik.
Derzeit gibt es intensive Diskussion über die Entlassung von Deponien aus der Nachsorge. Sind Geokunststoffe in den Böschungen einer Deponie verwendet worden, wäre eine Entlassung aus der Nachsorge demnach im Moment nicht möglich. Die Deponie müsste dafür nach der Deponieverordnung (DepV) u. a. „insgesamt dauerhaft standsicher“ sein. Geokunststoffe erfüllten ihre Funktion über einen Zeitrahmen von mindestens hundert Jahren. Die Dauerhaftigkeit wird bei der Diskussion aber offenbar als „Ewigkeit“ verstanden. Dies stehe somit im Widerspruch – so die Argumentation. Auf dieser Veranstaltung wurde im vergangenen Jahr darüber berichtet. Auch auf dieses Thema wird eingegangen.
Es wird über Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit Kunststoffdichtungsbahnen (KDB) berichtet. Die Anforderungen an die Schweißzusätze für das Extrusionsschweißen wurden angepasst.
Derzeit gibt es intensive Diskussion über die Entlassung von Deponien aus der Nachsorge. Sind Geokunststoffe in den Böschungen einer Deponie verwendet worden, wäre eine Entlassung aus der Nachsorge demnach im Moment nicht möglich. Die Deponie müsste dafür nach der Deponieverordnung (DepV) u. a. „insgesamt dauerhaft standsicher“ sein. Geokunststoffe erfüllten ihre Funktion über einen Zeitrahmen von mindestens hundert Jahren. Die Dauerhaftigkeit wird bei der Diskussion aber offenbar als „Ewigkeit“ verstanden. Dies stehe somit im Widerspruch – so die Argumentation. Auf dieser Veranstaltung wurde im vergangenen Jahr darüber berichtet. Auch auf dieses Thema wird eingegangen.
Ein Konvolut einzelner Schmuckstücke und die Goldbeigaben eines angeblichen Grabfundes wurden technologisch und analytisch untersucht. Die meisten Objekte sind Blecharbeiten, die aus einer Vielzahl von Einzelteilen mit metallischem Goldlot zusammengefügt und mit Granulation oder granulations-imitierendem Perl- oder Kerbdraht verziert wurden. Nur vier kleine Ohrringe sind massiv gegossen.
Zwei Zierbleche dürften über Patrizen (Positivmodeln), die Deckel der Astragale in Matrizen (Negativmodeln) geformt worden sein. Alle Objekte wurden mit Synchrotron- und atmosphärischer Röntgenfluoreszenz analysiert. Die Daten zeigen das breite Spektrum an Goldlegierungen, die im 7./6. Jahrhundert v. Chr. in Kleinasien verarbeitet wurden: vom natürlichen Seifengold (Elektrum) bis zu geläutertem, fast reinem Gold. Eine Korrelation zwischen Goldqualität und Verarbeitungsmethode konnte nicht festgestellt werden. Sowohl hochreines als auch mit viel Silber und Kupfer legiertes Gold wurde zum Schmieden von Blecharbeiten, aber auch zum Massivguss verwendet. Aus der Goldfarbe kann wegen des Phänomens der oberflächlichen Goldanreicherung nicht auf eine Legierungszusammensetzung geschlossen werden. Der 1963 angekaufte Fundkomplex aus lydischen Metallarbeiten und ostionischen Salbgefäßen aus Ton dürfte einen Grabfund des frühen 6. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. darstellen, dessen Herkunft aus Ephesos jedoch nicht zu sichern ist.
NSO-Heterocyclen (NSO-H) finden sich zusammen mit polycyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK) überwiegend an Teer- und Teeröl kontaminierten Standorten
im Boden und Grundwasser.
NSO-H sind ähnlich toxisch wie PAK, aber polarer und damit hydrophiler. Da NSO-H an kontaminierten Standorten lediglich einen geringen Anteil des Schadstoffinventars
ausmachen, wurde ihnen in der Vergangenheit wenig Aufmerksamkeit zuteil und sie werden im Gegensatz zu PAK nicht routinemäßig erfasst.
Aufgrund ihrer teilweise ausgeprägten Persistenz und der vergleichsweisen guten Wasserlöslichkeit bilden sie trotz der eher geringen Anfangskonzentrationen große
Schadstofffahnen mit geringen Konzentrationen aus. Mikrobielle Abbauprozesse bewirken dabei im Verlauf der Fahne Veränderungen der Anteile der Einzelsubstanzen
zueinander. In der Nähe des Schadensherdes dominieren meist PAK, im Abstrom sinkt deren Konzentration allerdings schneller, so dass hier die NSO-H die dominierende Schadstoffgruppe darstellen. Auf Grund des unterschiedlichen Abbauverhaltens kann die NSO-HBelastung
über den PAK Summenparameter nicht zuverlässig bestimmt werden.
Die Kleidermotte Tineola bisselliella, ursprünglich vermutlich aus Afrika stammend (Zeller, 1852), ist als weltweit verbreiteter Materialschädling in Wohnungen, Lagern und Museen bekannt (Key & Common, 1959; Querner, 2014). Um in Form des Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Methoden zur Erkennung, Prävention und Bekämpfung von Vorrats- und Materialschädlingen zu organisieren und zu entwickeln, ist eine genaue Kenntnis der Biologie, Ökologie und des Verhaltens des Schädlings entscheidend. In dieser Arbeit wird aufbauend auf den Studien zur Entwicklung von T. bisselliella unter verschiedenen Temperaturen und Luftfeuchten von Titschak (1925) das Falterschlupfverhalten quantifiziert und mit dem unter der Konkurrenzsituation mit dem aus der gleichen Nahrungsgilde stammenden Polsterwarenkäfers (Anthrenus flavipes) verglichen. Die Konkurrenzfähigkeit der Kleidermotte über das gesamte betrachtete Spektrum an Temperatur und Luftfeuchtigkeiten machen sie als Materialschädling so erfolgreich. Darüber hinaus wird das Vorkommen in natürlichen Reservoiren durch die Untersuchung von Freilandfängen an verschiedenen Standorten in Berlin und Umgebung als unwahrscheinlich angesehen. Molekularbiologische Betrachtungen des Genflusses anhand von mitochondrialen Sequenzabschnitten sowie BOX-PCR Mustern zeigen zwar keine Fragmentierung der Populationen in die einzelnen Fangstandorte, jedoch kann auch ein Netzwerk aus passiver Verbreitung durch den Menschen für einen kontinuierlichen Genfluss sorgen.
Presentation of the MIC-project (Microbially Induced Corrosion) within the focus area Materials of the BAM. Strategies, developments and innovations in the area of analytical tools, surface modifications, polymer stability and biofilm-enhanced deteriorations of materials in the context of microbially induced corrosion processes.
Der Vortrag stellt die Arbeit der BAM und des Fachbereichs 4.2 Materialien und Luftschadstoffe vor und erläutert die Vorgehensweise bei der Erfassung von Materialemissionen in die Luft. Es wird auf die Problematik der diskontinuierlichen Probenahme hingewiesen und die Vorzüge kontinuierlicher online-Messverfahren für solche Messungen erörtert.
Diverse animal species consume toxins, minerals or secondary compounds as an adaptive response to pathogen infection – a process termed self-medication. Recent studies have also shown that macronutrients can play an important role in an individual’s infection response. For instance African army worm caterpillars select a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrate upon baculovirus infection. Here we investigate whether dietary choice of macronutrients also plays a role in immunity in the omnivorous cockroach: Blatta orientalis. After challenging individual cockroaches with a common entomopathogenic soil bacterium, Pseudomonas entomophila, we conducted food-choice experiments using two artificial diets differing in their relative protein to carbohydrate ratio. We show for the first time that cockroaches are able to self-select a protein-enriched diet as a response to bacterial infection. This is driven by a sharp decline in carbohydrate intake rather than an increase in protein intake. Additionally, infected cockroaches reduced their overall nutrient intake, which is consistent with an illness-induced anorexia-like response. The feeding pattern of bacteria-challenged individuals returned to normality approx 4 days after challenge. We also investigate whether cockroach survival and hemolymph immunity are enhanced in individuals when restricted to a protein-rich vs. carbohydrate-rich diet. Overall, our findings demonstrate that macronutrient preferences follow a general pattern independent of pathogen type. Furthermore, we show that interactions between nutrition and immunity are highly conserved in evolution, highlighted by the fact that caterpillars and cockroaches diverged some 386 million years ago.
Recent studies have shown that host-microbiota interactions can lead to dramatic changes in host phenotype. We investigate the causal drivers of microbe-associated shifts in host phenotype by examining how feeding behaviour is modulated by microbiota interactions in two omnivorous cockroaches: Blatta orientalis and Blatella germanica. We conducted food-choice experiments after challenging hosts with a common entomopathogenic soil bacterium to understand the impact of pathogens on host macronutrient preference. We find that immune challenge by a pathogenic microbe drives a sharp decline in carbohydrate intake and results in a relative increase in the ratio of protein to carbohydrate (P:C) consumed. Additionally, infected cockroaches reduce their overall nutrient intake, which is consistent with an illness-induced anorexia-like response. We show for the first time that cockroach feeding behaviour is dynamically modulated by a pathogen, and examine the influence of modified feeding behaviour on host immunity. We also investigate whether in addition to pathogens, gut commensals are causally responsible for shifts in host behavioural phenotype. Here, we conduct food-choice and immune-challenge experiments in germ-free cockroaches, which have been refaunated with gut microbiota that are experimentally adapted to variable macronutrient (P:C) diets.
Recent studies have shown that host-microbiota interactions can lead to dramatic changes in host phenotype. We investigate the causal drivers of microbe-associated shifts in host phenotype by examining how feeding behaviour is modulated by microbiota interactions in two omnivorous cockroaches: Blatta orientalis and Blatella germanica. We conducted food-choice experiments after challenging hosts with a common entomopathogenic soil bacterium to understand the impact of pathogens on host macronutrient preference. We find that immune challenge by a pathogenic microbe drives a sharp decline in carbohydrate intake and results in a relative increase in the ratio of protein to carbohydrate (P:C) consumed. Additionally, infected cockroaches reduce their Overall nutrient intake, which is consistent with an illness-induced anorexia-like response. We show for the first time that cockroach feeding behaviour is dynamically modulated by a pathogen, and examine the influence of modified feeding behaviour on host immunity. We also investigate whether in Addition to pathogens, gut commensals are causally responsible for shifts in host behavioural phenotype. Here, we conduct food-choice and immune-challenge experiments in germ-free cockroaches, which have been refaunated with gut microbiota that are experimentally adapted to variable macronutrient (P:C) diets.
Diverse animal species consume toxins, minerals or secondary compounds as an adaptive response to pathogen infection – a process termed self-medication. Recent studies have also shown that macronutrients can play an important role in an individual’s infection response. For instance African army worm caterpillars select a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrate upon baculovirus infection. Here we investigate whether dietary choice of macronutrients also plays a role in immunity in the omnivorous cockroach: Blatta orientalis. After challenging individual cockroaches with a common entomopathogenic soil bacterium, Pseudomonas entomophila, we conducted food-choice experiments using two artificial diets differing in their relative protein to carbohydrate ratio. We show for the first time that cockroaches are able to self-select a protein-enriched diet as a response to bacterial infection. This is driven by a sharp decline in carbohydrate intake rather than an increase in protein intake. Additionally, infected cockroaches reduced their overall nutrient intake, which is consistent with an illness-induced anorexia-like response. The feeding pattern of bacteria-challenged individuals returned to normality approx 4 days after challenge. We also investigate whether cockroach survival and hemolymph immunity are enhanced in individuals when restricted to a protein-rich vs. carbohydrate-rich diet. Overall, our findings demonstrate that macronutrient preferences follow a general pattern independent of pathogen type. Furthermore, we show that interactions between nutrition and immunity are highly conserved in evolution, highlighted by the fact that caterpillars and cockroaches diverged some 386 million years ago.
Simple, microbial biofilms have prevailed since life began on Earth. Biofilms form at the interfaces of solids with gases or liquids and have multiple effects on Substrate and element cycles. In geobiological terms, the most interesting microbial communities are those that form on solids exposed to air (subaerial). Microbial colonisers of the atmosphere-lithosphere interface include algae, cyanobacteria, fungi as well as heterotrophic bacteria and they have colonised virtually every rock surface throughout the entire geological history of the Earth. In addition to sequestering carbon, sub-aerial biofilms (SABS) actively participate in rock weathering. Rock-inhabiting SABs are the primary settlers on lava following volcanic eruptions and on rocks following the retreat of glaciers. SABs especially dominate hostile environments in which growth of higher Vegetation is restricted especially in deserts, polar- and alpine regions. SABs are the primary colonisers of lithospheric (e.g. rocks) and anthropogenic Substrates (buildings, monuments, solar panels, etc.). Life at the solid material/atmosphere interface influences and is affected by both the underlying Substrate and the microclimate surrounding it. Although subaerial life is ubiquitous, how SABs develop and importantly degrade underlying Substrates can only be clarified in well-controlled experiments that often involve simplified model Systems, So far, biofilm development on solar panels has been studied using; (i) metagenomics; (ii) in situ microscopy; and (iii) classical microbiological methods that are both qualitative and quantitative. Here we suggest that solar panel biofilms are accessible and highly relevant objects to study microbial ecology, geobiology and biodeterioration.
The internet lecture (webinar) described the biology of Hylotrupes bajulus, a major pest of structural timer in Europe and some other parts of the world. The life cycle was discussed in detail, followed by the mating biology and breeding site selection. Finally, different control strategies were presented.
A fundamental yet seemingly contradictory aspect of biological individuals is their capacity to remain the same while changing through time. This self-regulatory ability is facilitated by a number of factors that are shared by all complex multicellular life-forms. One such essential trait is an effective immune system. Here, I use concepts of individuality and immunity to explore the blurred line between society and individual in termite “superorganisms”. I discuss our current understanding of the breadth and mechanistic underpinnings of collective immunity in termites, before going on to explore the evolution of the immune system during the transition from a cockroach-like ancestor to a fully-fledged termite society. I end by discussing the possibly crucial role played by immunity during the emergence of eusociality, and in transitions in organismal complexity generally.
Eine maltechnische Eigenart der Hinterglasbilder Heinrich Campendonks liegt in der Verwendung von fein gemahlenen unedlen Metallen wie Kupfer, Zinn, Zink, Aluminium sowie Metalllegierungen wie Messing. Sie waren seinerzeit entweder in Pulverform oder als gebrauchsfertige Malfarben im Handel erhältlich und wurden meist Bronzen, vereinzelt auch Brokatbronzen, Metall- oder Brokatfarben genannt. Der Aufsatz stellt die wesentlichen Aspekte der Metalleffektpigmente in Campendonks Werk vor.
As part of the Qumran project conducted at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Berlin between 2007 and 2010, my colleagues and I developed a new, integrated methodology for determining the original and acquired properties of highly heterogeneous Dead Sea Scrolls. The purpose of this methodology is to help scholars determine the provenance of fragments of the scrolls and sort and compare them more easily than in the past. Since our measurements allowed us to differentiate between the minerals originating from the production processes and the sediments accrued during storage in the caves in Qumran, we were able to reconstruct the treatment of hides and discovered that at least two distinct parchmentproduction techniques co-existed at the beginning of the common era.
The reconstruction of workmanship on animal hides in Antiquity raised doubts about the validity of the current definition of parchment, which is based on a production technique known from the Middle Ages. We hope that our current work will also help researchers understand the characteristic properties of gewil, qelaf and dukhsustos better.¹
The evolution and socio-geographic distribution of writing inks in late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages are the second focus of our investigative work at BAM.
We use X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) to determine the chemical composition of inks and NIR reflectography for their typology. We are amply assisted in our ambitious enterprise by codicologists and palaeographers who have adopted our methodology and conduct field studies of their own.
Cadmiumhaltige Pigmente werden in Künstlerfarben (z.B. Cadmiumgelb PY35) verwendet und können beim Reinigen gebrauchter Pinsel mit Wasser über das Abwasser in die Kläranlagen eingetragen werden, wo sie auf Grund ihrer geringen Wasserlöslichkeit im Klärschlamm verbleiben. Bei landwirtschaftlicher Nutzung des Klärschlamms, kann das Cadmium nach Aufnahme in Pflanzen in die menschliche Nahrungskette gelangen. Aufnahme von Cadmium erhöht die Wahrscheinlichkeit an Brustkrebs zu erkranken und führt durch eine Verringerung der Knochendichte zu einer erhöhten Anzahl an Knochenbrüchen. Daher wurde bei der europäischen Chemikalienbehörde ECHA ein Verbotsantrag nach Annex XV von einem Mitgliedsland gestellt.
Mengenmäßig ist der Betrag an Cadmium, der über diesen Expositionsweg auf Agrarflächen eingetragen werden klein: 120 kg im Vergleich zu 120 Tonnen aus anderen Quellen. Zur Abschätzung des Risikos ist allerdings nicht nur die Gesamtmenge entscheidend, sondern auch die Mobilität der Schadstoffe. Um diese zu untersuchen wurden mit Cadmiumpigmenten dotierte Klärschlämme mit Boden gemischt und das Auswaschverhalten mit Hilfe von Säulenperkolationstests untersucht. Das Cadmium liegt in den Pigmenten als Cadmiumsulfid vor, dessen Löslichkeit stark vom Redoxpotential abhängt und dem pH-Wert abhängt. Daher wurden die Versuche unter verschiedenen Redoxbedingungen und mit einem sauren Eluenten durchgeführt.
Eluate wurden über einen Zeitraum von 68 h gesammelt und der pH-Wert, die Leitfähigkeit, die Trübung, Konzentration an organischen Kohlenstoff (TOC) und Cd bestimmt. Das Redoxpotential sinkt nach Start der Elution schnell und hängt von dem Gehalt an Kohlenstoff im Boden ab: Je höher der Gehalt ist, um so langsamer sinkt das Redoxpotential. Einen eindeutigen Zusammenhang zwischen Cadmiumfreisetzung und Redoxpotential konnte aber nicht gefunden werden. Insgesamt wurden maximal 2 % des vorhandenen Cadmiums freigesetzt. Im Vergleich zu Versuchen mit nicht dotierten Böden, der selbst auch geringe Mengen an Cadmium enthielt, konnte keine erhöhte Freisetzung beobachtet werden. Daraus kann geschlossen werden, dass die Cadmiumpigmente im Boden nur in sehr geringen Maß verfügbar sind
Cell-to-cell variation and specialization in sugar metabolism in clonal bacterial populations
(2017)
While we have good understanding of bacterial metabolism at the population level, we know little about the metabolic behavior of individual cells: do single cells in clonal populations sometimes specialize on different metabolic pathways? Such metabolic specialization could be driven by stochastic gene expression and could provide individual cells with growth benefits of specialization. We measured the degree of phenotypic specialization in two parallel metabolic pathways, the assimilation of glucose and arabinose. We grew Escherichia coli in chemostats, and used isotope-labeled sugars in combination with nanometer-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry and mathematical modeling to quantify sugar assimilation at the single-cell level. We found large variation in metabolic activities between single cells, both in absolute assimilation and in the degree to which individual cells specialize in the assimilation of different sugars. Analysis of transcriptional reporters indicated that this variation was at least partially based on cell-to-cell variation in gene expression. Metabolic differences between cells in clonal populations could potentially reduce metabolic incompatibilities between different pathways, and increase the rate at which parallel reactions can be performed.
The rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 elements from the lanthanide series including scandium and yttrium that share similar physical and chemical properties. They are progressively important for transition to a green, low-carbon economy due to their vital role in electric cars, permanent magnets, fluorescent lamps, rechargeable NiMH batteries, catalysts and other applications. In reality, the term “rare” is misleading as these elements are widely present in the earth’s crust. However, even if not rare, REEs have a high supply risk due to the geopolitical situation e.g. resulting from limited Chinese exports. This, along with their importance in various clean and high-tech applications, has led the EU and the U.S. to label certain REEs, especially europium, terbium and yttrium as critical elements. Recycling is often considered as one of the ways to reduce REEs criticality, especially the import dependency.
A recycling strategy for REE requires reliable analytical data of different types of waste streams. The REE bearing waste matrices can be completely different depending on its origin. Digestion methods prior to ICP-OES / -MS analysis must be optimized for the different matrices to guarantee reliable results. We present two examples of different REE bearing waste streams - fluorescence lamp shredder waste and red mud - and show how the analytical procedures were optimized.
Metal reducing bacteria (MRB) are capable of utilizing different metals, such as iron, chromium, manganese or uranium as well as many organic compounds, as electron acceptors for their metabolism. Via direct and indirect electron transfer processes MRB are able to convert insoluble passive film species like Fe(III)-oxides to soluble Fe(II)-oxides and hydroxides. This weakening of the passive film not only leads to an acceleration of the general corrosion processes, but also increases the susceptibility of stainless steels to pitting corrosion. Electron transfer mechanisms are not yet fully understood and the role of bacteria in corrosion processes is controversially discussed in the literature. Moreover, recent research indicates that the secretion of electron shuttles like riboflavins by MRB also contributes to the extracellular electron transfer.
This project aims at clarifying the chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of MRB with stainless steel surfaces. To investigate the changes in the oxide chemistry on the stainless steel surface in the presence of biomolecules and MRB a new flow cell has been designed and constructed which enables the collection of XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) spectra in fluorescence mode at the Fe K-edge and electrochemical analysis. Availability of oxygen and the pre-exposure of the MRB to Fe(III) during cultivation have been investigated as parameters with significant effect on the corrosion rates. XANES analysis is supplemented by ex-situ X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS) to complete the surface characterisation in terms of the oxide chemistry and the composition of organic residues. Complementary electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (e-QCM) measurements have been performed to quantify the kinetics of bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Together with the frequency shift, the evolution of the dissipation signal has been analyzed to investigate the changes in viscosity and structure of the biofilm from initial stages up to maturation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been used to study the structure and viscoelastic properties of the biofilms after e-QCM experiments.
The presentation will summarize our results on the effects of individual surface and environment related parameters on the chemical/electrochemical interaction mechanisms of MRB leading to passive film degradation on stainless steel surfaces and provide useful insights from a fundamental aspect for the development of novel mitigation strategies for microbiologically influenced corrosion.
A drawback for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is that the measurements must be performed under ultra-high vacuum, which limits the type of samples which can be studied. However, by applying a differentially pumped aperture positioned close to the surface, even wet samples can be measured at near ambient pressure while the energy analyser is still under ultra-high vacuum, as illustrated below. Successful XPS-measurements with pressure up to 30 mbar have been reported using this approach, which opens up a new world of possibilities for ambient pressure measurements with XPS.
While there are examples where NAP-XPS has been used to study electrochemical processes and heterogeneous catalysis, little attention has been paid to its potential use in biological materials. Until now, bacteria have only been characterised with conventional XPS, which requires tedious sample preparation usually involving freeze drying, a treatment that may degrade biological sample constituents. By studying biological samples in their native wet states, new insight about composition, absorption and transport of drugs through cell membranes and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) layers can be obtained.
Both artificial model-films of exopolysaccharides and biofilms of Escherichia Coli have been characterised at pressures ranging from ultra-high vacuum to 15 mbar by using SPECS’ EnviroESCA NAP-XPS instrument and conventional XPS. By applying antimicrobials to model biofilms, some of which are known to be resistant towards the antimicrobial in question, the distribution of antimicrobials in biofilms has been studied. Measurement capabilities and limitations of the approach will be discussed.
Near Ambient Pressure XPS opens up a new world of possibilities for measurements with XPS. While there are examples where NAP-XPS has been used to study electrochemical processes and heterogeneous catalysis, little attention has been paid to its potential use in biological materials. Until now, bacteria have only been characterised with conventional XPS, which requires tedious sample preparation usually involving freeze drying, a treatment that may degrade biological sample constituents. By studying biological samples in their native wet states, new insight about composition, absorption and transport of drugs through cell membranes and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) layers can be obtained. Both artificial model-films of exopolysaccharides and biofilms of Escherichia Coli have been characterised at pressures ranging from ultra-high vacuum to 15 mbar by using SPECS’ EnviroESCA NAP-XPS instrument and conventional XPS. By applying antimicrobials to model biofilms, some of which are known to be resistant towards the antimicrobial in question, the distribution of antimicrobials in biofilms has been studied. Capabilities and limitations of the approach will be discussed.
Characterization of phosphorus compounds in soils by deep ultraviolet (DUV) Raman microspectroscopy
(2017)
Deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy was successfully investigated as a new approach to analyze the chemical state of phosphorus compounds directly in soil. We demonstrate that ultraviolet excitation has the advantage to avoid the interference with the strong fluorescence, which occurs in the visible spectral range caused by organic matter in soils. Furthermore, the spatial resolution of <1 μm2 enables the detection of very small phosphorus particles. For some organic phosphorus compounds (β-glycerophosphate, aminomethylphosphonic acid), sample cooling to -100 °C is found to strongly reduce the rate of degradation induced by the illumination with the ultraviolet excitation light. However, phytic acid and adenosine monophosphate degraded even with cooling. Our results reveal the capability of deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy as a high-resolution benchtop imaging technique for the analysis of local interactions between soil compounds with the potential to become an analytical key to improve the understanding of transformation mechanisms of phosphates as well as other mineral phases in soils.
For many years after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, text analysis and fragment attribution were the main concern of the scholars dealing with them. The uncertain archaeological provenance of a large part of the collection added difficulties to the already formidable task of sorting thousands of fragments. After 60 years of scholarly research the questions of origin, archaeological provenance and correct attribution of the fragments are still debated. To help address these questions we have developed a methodology suitable to the material studies of the scrolls using combinations of X-ray, FTIR and Raman techniques. On the one hand, an accurate characterization of the highly heterogeneous writing media of the Dead Sea Scrolls leads to a reliable reconstruction of their history and, thus, contributes significantly to the current debate. On the other hand, it provides new information on the production of ancient parchment towards the end of the Second Temple period, opening a new page in the historical study of technology.
Le monde de la Génizah du Caire et plus particulièrement la collection de Cambridge (CUL) a recu l’attention des chercheurs depuis le XIXe siècle mais peu de recherches ont été faites à ce jour sur l’aspect matériel des manuscrits. Pourtant l’archéométrie est un outil précieux pour mieux comprendre les sociétés qui ont créés ces documents.
Leaching tests are fundamental tools for the assessment of groundwater impact by contaminated soils concerning the soil-groundwater pathway. Such procedures are supposed to serve as the basis for a reliable leachate prognosis. They can be applied to determine the short and long term leaching behaviour as well as the source term of contaminated soils. For this purpose two types of leaching procedures have been validated in Germany for the examination of the leaching behaviour of frequently occurring organic substances (DIN 19528 - column test and DIN 19529 - batch test). A liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) of 2 L/kg and 10 L/kg) is the basis for the risk assessment which is implemented in different German regulations. The equivalence of test results for both tests for the same material under investigation has been investigated for a variety of pollutants in order to assess their reliability in compliance testing. However, for emerging pollutants there is hardly data available on this issue.
Leaching tests on soils contaminated with emerging pollutants such as PFC (Perfluorinated Surfactants) are currently coming more into consideration due to the increasing detection of contaminated sites.
Therefore, two soils were investigated in this study from different contamination source (paper sludge containing compost and fire distinguishing foam) using both leaching tests and both liquid-to-solid ratios. The leachability of the various perfluorinated compounds in relation to their content in solid matter was considered. Furthermore the eluate pre-treatment prior analysis (in particular liquid/solid separation step needed for batch tests) has been taken into account.
The comparability of the results from batch and column is dependent on the solubility of the various compounds, on the L/S and on the turbidity in the eluates.
Our current projects focus on the material analysis of the writing materials
kept in the Taylor-Schechter Collection at Cambridge University Library,
which houses the largest collection of Cairo Geniza fragments, about 190,000.
Although Geniza manuscripts have attracted a great deal of scholarly attention,
the material aspects of these documents seem to have been largely neglected.
The current study aims to obtain information on the composition of the writing
supports and the inks that were used, the production of the original manuscripts
and the history of their degradation. The collected data should supplement the
description based on Hebrew palaeography and codicology. Moreover, a characterisation
of the writing materials would provide insights on trade, local production
techniques and social structures. The tabulated results have the potential to
be used as geo-chronological markers if sufficient data is collected.
For our study, we chose Hebrew legal documents and letters from three communities
that co-existed in Fustat (today Cairo) in the 11th century: the Jerusalemite
(or ‘Palestinian’) community, the Babylonian community and the Karaites, three
different communities with different scribal traditions. In addition to this, we
studied non-biblical scrolls attributed to the Palestinian and Babylonian communities.
The question we addressed was whether we can correlate the use of a
specific type of ink to an objective criterion.
For our analysis at Cambridge University Library, we used a number of protocols
developed at BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung) in
Berlin and at the Centre for Study of Manuscript Cultures, University of Hamburg
(CSMC). These include reflectographic examination followed by non-destructive
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis using transportable instruments so that the
analysis can be carried out in situ.
We have illustrated our approach here by providing two examples. The first one
describes our investigation of the leather fragment containing a portion of the
Babylonian Talmud on its hair side (TS Misc.26.53.17). The second example illustrates
our ability to compare iron-gall inks using the XRF method. In this case,
we explored the question of the codicological attribution of three fragments (TS
F17.4, TS 12.755 and TS 12.756) to the same Talmud manuscript.
Recycled plastic granules of high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene the size of microplastics were exposed to artificial aging conditions (2000 h; photooxidative and thermo-oxidative) to simulate their fate outdoors. Their potential to leach into water during the aging process was investigated using column percolation tests.
Aging-related changes on the surface of the material were characterised by IR measurements indicating oxidation reactions with the formation of new adsorption bands (C=O, C–O and OH), especially in the case of photooxidative aging.
These findings were confirmed by the identification of leachable organic compounds. Leaching of total organic carbon, Cl, Ca, Cu and Zn is clearly affected by changes due to aging, and their release is increased after photooxidative aging.
In general, exposure to photooxidative conditions shows a greater influence on aging and thus on leaching and seems to be the more important mechanism for the aging of microplastic in the environment. Comparison with the total content of inorganic species revealed that, for most elements, less than 3% of the total content is released after 2000 h of photooxidative aging.
Melanised cell walls and extracellular polymeric matrices protect rock-inhabiting microcolonial fungi from hostile environmental conditions. How extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) perform this protective role was investigated by following development of the model microcolonial black fungus Knufia petricola A95 grown as a sub-aerial biofilm. Extracellular substances were extracted with NaOH/formaldehyde and the structures of two excreted polymers studied by methylation as well as NMR analyses. The main polysaccharide (~ 80%) was pullulan, also known as α-1,4-; α-1,6-glucan, with different degrees of polymerisation. Αlpha-(1,4)-linked-Glcp and α-(1,6)-linked-Glcp were present in the molar ratios of 2:1. A branched galactofuromannan with an α-(1,2)-linked Manp main chain and a β-(1,6)-linked Galf side chain formed a minor fraction (~ 20%). To further understand the roles of EPS in the weathering of minerals and rocks, viscosity along with corrosive properties were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The kinetic viscosity of extracellular K. petricola A95 polysaccharides (≈ 0.97 × 10-6 m2 s-1) ranged from the equivalent of 2% (w/v) to 5% glycerine, and could thus profoundly affect diffusion-dominated processes. The corrosive nature of rock-inhabiting fungal EPS was also demonstrated by its effects on the aluminium coating of the AFM cantilever and the silicon layer below.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system revolutionized genetic engineering approaches with its simple design and high accuracy. The system comprises only two components – a synthetic guide RNA and the Cas9 protein. Our aim is to use this system to study factors influencing ectoine production.
Here, we use the CRISPRinterference variant to downregulate the expression of the ectoine synthesis gene ectA.