Department of Infection Research and Diagnostics

The Department of Infection Research and Diagnostics researches and develops technologies for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Innovative technology platforms are available for the development of vaccines, e.g. novel inactivation procedures or nucleic acid-based methods. An S3 laboratory enables work with highly infectious pathogens. Diagnostic and analytical procedures are developed on the basis of molecular and immunodiagnostic tests. Particular expertise exists in the design and manufacture of point-of-care systems that enable simple and robust analysis outside of clinical laboratories. Comprehensive competencies in the development of in-vivo and in-vitro model systems as well as modern imaging techniques complement the department's range of services in the development of modern active substances and diagnostics.

Units

 

Vaccine Technologies

The unit develops diagnostic assays and prevention strategies for infectious diseases, in human and veterinary medicine. A strong focus is on zoonoses and (re-)emerging viral infections.

 

Preclinical Validation

The center for animal experimentation is a preclinical development hub within the Fraunhofer IZI network. Our qualified members of staff, who are particularly experienced in the hygienic management of animals, have access to modern facilities which fulfil the highest standards in animal husbandry. 

 

Antimicrobial Biotechnology

The unit develops phage-derived antibacterial protein therapeutics and bacterial viruses (bacteriophages or phages) to kill pathogens infecting humans or animals which are resistant to antibiotics. 

 

MicroDiagnostics

The unit develops diagnostic and analytical test systems for environmental, food and clinical applications.

 

Experimental Imaging

As technical methods continue to be advanced, new imaging procedures and evaluation methods used to depict structures and processes are always available for biological investigations.

 

Biological Material Analytics

The Biological Material Analytics Unit supports the development of implants through research projects that are focused on defined immunologically effective, bioceramic materials and develops standardized, immunobiological test procedures for innovative (bioceramic) implant materials, especially in the field of dentistry but also endoprosthetics.

 

Brochure

Competence atlas "Diagnostics"

Alliances and projects of the department

 

WE! are DIANA

The Fraunhofer IZI in Leipzig and the Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz are coordinating an alliance from the BMBF funding program "WIR! - Change through Innovation in the Region".

 

Fraunhofer Center for Digital Diagnostics ZDD