Prof. Dr. M. Mack

The soil, a natural habitat, which is colonized by a large variety of microorganisms. The question is, what is the function of antibiotics such as roseoflavin (structure is shown in pink)? Streptomycetes are bacteria which also colonize this habitat. They produce a large variety of so called “secondary metabolites”, some of which display antibiotic activity under laboratory conditions. The Streptomycete cell count in the soil, however, is relatively small. Are the concentrations of the produced antibiotics really sufficient to inhibit growth of competing cells?

CV

Research Projects

The Gram-positive soil bacteria Streptomyces davawensis and Streptomyces cinnabarinus are the only organisms known to produce the vitamin analog roseoflavin. We study the biosynthesis of roseoflavin, its molecular mechanism of action and the resistance mechanism of the producer cells in order to pave the way for the structured analysis of other vitamin analogs yet to be discovered. more

 

Jobs

Funding

Cooperation Partner

 

Prof. Dr. K. Preuß

Research Projects

  • Bio-building blocks & products from renewable resources
  • Cell culture control & monitoring

  • Fermentation of methanotroph & thermophilic micro-organism

 

Areas of expertise

Consultancy

 

Prof. Dr. D. Gövert

Epifluorescence microscopy showing devulcanising bacteria associated with the rubber crumb surface. The microorganisms produce enzymes that selectively oxidise S-S crosslinks on the rubber, introducing polar functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl) on the surface that enable better interaction with polar polymers. Recycled rubber can then be revulcanised by adding fresh sulphur and formulated into new, high-quality rubber products, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to virgin raw materials.

CV

Research Projects      

Development of novel biosurfactants using microorganisms that convert renewable feedstocks as well as agricultural and food by-products into valuable cleaning agents → a sustainable alternative to synthetical surfactants made from petrochemicals

Biotransformation of waste rubber tyres by microbial devulcanisation for reuse in high-quality rubber products (→)

 

Recent Publications

Teaching

Publications

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