CRC Microplastics Seminar
We are looking forward to our next seminar guest Prof. Dr. Thilo Hofmann from the working group Environmental Geosciences of the University Vienna and his talk "Nanotechnology, Nanogeosciences, Nanoplastics: Similarities and Perspectives". CRC 1357 Microplastics Seminar 24. January 2022 at 5:00 pm via ZOOM. ...more
Learning from dust: New CRC 1357 Press Release
Researchers from the CRC compared the properties and the health risks of inhaled microplastics to other inhaled particles like soot, grinding dust or asbestos. In this way, more precise statements can be made about the toxic and health-endangering effects of microplastics in the air we breathe. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
First report of functional PET-active enzymes from the Bacteroidetes phylum! The existence of the enzyme was detected by a PETase-specific search algorithm and hints at an influence of this bacterial phylum on polymer degradation. Congratulation! ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Periphytic biofilms can efficiently degrade Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), as well as microplastics. In addition, humic acid enhances the biodegradation potential and biofilm structure and abundance. Congratulation! ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
How to make polyurethane more degradable than other compostable polymers? By a polyaddition of degradable ester bonds, tailor-made polyurethanes were produced and characterised. The result is a mechanically robust polymer with fast degradation. Congratulation! ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Are adverse effects of microplastics caused by specific polymer or particle properties? The new study shows that chronic and sublethal effects of PS particles on Daphnia magna are not due to particle exposure per se, but to the polymer itself and its size and shape. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Detecting microplastics in water bodies is a challenging task. Nevertheless, using the Mulde and the Elbe as examples, it was possible to show that rivers with an industrialised catchment area can contribute significantly to microplastic contamination. Congratulations. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
One strength of interdisciplinary research groups is the expertise and analytical skills of the partners involved. However, flexible information nodes for the collection and provision of the collected data are often missing. The developed Progressive Web App could remedy this. Congratulations. ...more
New CRC 1357 Publication
With the study "In vitro cultivation of primary intestinal cells from Eisenia fetida as basis for ecotoxicological studies", an important platform was developed that will enable more detailed studies at the cellular level to better understand the toxic effects of environmental pollutants such as microplastics. ...more
New CRC 1357 Publication
How much microplastic is in our environment? The answer to this question is a major challenge for microplastics research. Machine-learning approaches are an essential step towards a faster and more robust microplastic analysis - and largely unaffected by human bias. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Biodegradable polymers are an attractive alternative to replace conventional food-packaging films. However, many do not degrade in environmentally relevant conditions and show poor barrier properties. A unique modification of PLA results in self-assembled nanostructures and offers a solution for both issues. Congratulation. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Supposedly similar, commercially available microplastic particles have completely different properties! Thus, their interactions with cells and tissues vary greatly. Is this the reason for the sometimes contradictory results of toxicological tests? ...more
CRC 1357 at Bayerischer Rundfunk
New content in our media library: "Lake Constance - and the plastic". An interview of Karsten Schwanke with Christian Laforsch for "Schwanke meets Science". Online available until 04.11.2026. ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Successfull development of a new water-soluble quencher which reacts swiftly and chemoselectively. The advantages of the new quencher are exemplified by the pH dependance of its absorbance spectra. Congratulation! ...more
New CRC 1357 publication
Previous studies indicated the accumulation of microplastic in streambed sediments. Now, the team of B03 was able to track and quantify microplastic transport through streambed sediments by a novel experimental method using a Fluorescence-Imaging-System. Congratulations! ...more
