The working group Micro-/Molecular Biology of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT-IFG) headed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz is investigating the impact of artificial sweeteners and antidiabetica on the intestinal microflora of aquatic animals.
Even if some effects of these so called “wealth chemicals” on human beings are already demonstrated, their influence on aquatic biocoenosis and the ecosystem remains largely unknown. It is shown, however, that wealth chemicals have adverse effects on the intestinal flora of humans and could thereby trigger diseases. Based on these findings and using modern methods of molecular biology, the researcher team at the KIT-IFG is studying the influence of artificial sweeteners and antidiabetics on the intestinal flora of fishes and mollusks.
The substances mentioned are suspected of changing the composition of microbiomes of aquatic animals, thereby causing diseases. Specific changes in the composition of the microbiome are correlated with vitality markers of the organisms studied to point out possible risks for the organisms as well as the aquatic ecosystem.
Effects of sweeteners
Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Microbiology of Natural and Technical Interfaces Department
Microbiology / Molecular biology
Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1
76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen
+49 (0)721 60 82 68 02
thomas.schwartz@kit.edu
Funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg as part of the water network
Laufzeit: 2016 bis 2021
Prof. Dr. Thomas Braunbeck
Aquatic Ecology & Toxicology
COS - Centre for Organismal Studies
University of Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 504
D-69120 Heidelberg
braunbeck@uni-hd.de
Tel.: +49-(0)62 21-54 56 68
