Our Research
We develop and test diagnostic systems and applications to better understand and effectively combat infectious diseases. Our focus is on optical, molecular, and serological multiparameter analyses, which aim to enable more precise and faster diagnoses as well as detailed epidemiological studies. Our work addresses both clinical microbiology and veterinary medicine within a One-Health approach.
Our central focus is on the development and evaluation of molecular multiparameter assays such as digital PCR, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, and microarray technologies, using modern molecular reference methods. With these methods, we identify and validate diagnostic markers with product relevance to transfer them into application-oriented developments and optimize them for specific use cases. A special focus is the detection and understanding of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, as well as the analysis of virulence factors and genetic markers.
The Department of Optical-Molecular Diagnostics and System Technology follows a fully translational approach aimed at transforming research results into application-ready diagnostic solutions with high product potential for industrial partners. All steps of the value chain are considered—from defining diagnostic questions, assay design, and modern bioinformatics to the development of functional prototypes. A key area of work is the development of patient-near point-of-care tests that provide diagnostic results quickly and cost-effectively. Close collaboration with industrial partners enables the transfer of research findings into real, available diagnostic systems.
Research Focus Areas
Multiparameter Diagnostics for
Infections and Epidemiology
Optical, molecular, and serological multiparameter analyses for clinical microbiology, epidemiology, and outbreak investigations
Antibiotic Resistance
and Virulence Analysis
Assay and system development to identify resistant and virulent pathogens, as well as to analyze resistance- and virulence-associated genes
Molecular Assays and
Bioinformatics
Development and evaluation of molecular assays based on digital PCR, NGS, microarray, and isothermal methods, including bioinformatics analysis pipelines
Point-of-Care Systems
and Translation
End-to-end translation of diagnostic concepts from assay design to prototype system in cooperation with industrial partners for clinical and veterinary applications
Collaborations and Networks
The Optical Molecular Diagnostics and System Technology department is closely integrated into national research and translational networks for infectious disease diagnostics. At the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), we contribute to the advancement of optical, molecular, and serological diagnostic approaches along the entire innovation chain. Our team brings expertise in clinical microbiology, multiparameter diagnostics, assay design, and system development.
Furthermore, the department is closely connected with the InfectoGnostics Research Campus, which serves as an interface between academic research, clinics, and the diagnostics industry. The focus is on the development, validation, and translation of diagnostic methods, especially for patient-near point-of-care applications. This collaboration supports the transfer of prototypes into market-ready systems.
Our work in almost all current and past projects is carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners. Additionally, it is embedded in the Leibniz Research Alliance Health Technologies, the Thuringian Innovation Center for Medical Technology Solutions (ThIMEDOP), and the Center for Translational Medicine (CeTraMed) at Jena University Hospital. Within this inter-institute framework, we contribute to the development and integration of innovative diagnostic and health technologies. Through close networking with academic and industrial partners, the department bridges basic research, system development, and practical application in medical and veterinary diagnostics.
Selected Projects
Infection Diagnostics Using Cell-Free DNA
NEXD: Use of cell-free DNA for diagnosing hard-to-detect infections such as endocarditis and pulmonary aspergillosis
Automated Analytics for Infection Diagnostics
PERFEKT: Development of a compact, cost-efficient analysis system for decentralized infection diagnostics
Rapid Tests for Infection Diagnostics
QEID-POC: Development of quantitatively evaluable lateral flow tests to determine the host response to infections and inflammation
Recent Publications