Molecular Diagnostics

Focuses on the development and evaluation of new molecular-based approaches for rapidly and accurately assessing biological samples for the presence of specific pathogens as well as other microorganisms of interest.

The ‘Molecular diagnostics’ research program focuses on the development and evaluation of new molecular-based approaches for rapidly and accurately assessing biological samples for the presence of specific pathogens as well as other microorganisms of interest. More specifically, molecular assays based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), real-time PCR and DNA arrays are being developed and exploited for fast and reliable (multiplex) detection, identification, and quantification of target organisms. These techniques are then further adapted for high-throughput analyses in practical laboratory settings as well as for epidemiological and ecological studies.

New developments are done in close collaboration with PME&BIM.

Research and consulting - topics

• Development of new DNA- and RNA-based diagnostic tools for rapid microbial detection and identification
• Development of DNA arrays to simultaneously detect an expanding set of microorganisms (e.g. DNA Multiscan® for plant diseases and beneficials) 
• Development of specific (real-time) PCR assays
• Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of microbial strains isolated from various matrices