Learning objectives:

The module provides knowledge about the physiology of microorganisms and their specific survival strategies in the presence of antimicrobial substances. In addition, knowledge about the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment is conveyed. Another focus is the effectiveness of antimicrobial materials to prevent colonisation by biofilms. After completing the module, students are able to assess the antimicrobial properties of substances and materials and to critically evaluate the results of such experiments. They are also able to investigate the risk of resistance evolution for certain antimicrobial substances with suitable experiments.

Content:

Differentiation between resistance, tolerance and persistence. Physiology of bacteria in biofilms and correlation with antimicrobial tolerance and resistance. Basics of determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC), the number of persister cells using time-resolved killing curves and the tolerance of biofilms. Fundamentals of the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and fundamentals for conducting and evaluating evolution experiments and mutation rate determination. Consequences of the interaction of combinations of antimicrobial substances on microbial physiology and selection of resistance: synergy, antagonism, cross-resistance, co-selection. Regulation of antimicrobial substances: Medicinal products, plant protection products and biocides with focus on the EU Biocide Regulation. Determination of the efficacy of antimicrobial surfaces with ISO certified standard methods. Spread of resistance in the environment and the role of different environmental compartments.

The module is held as a 2-week block course (13/01/2025 to 24/01/25). Parts of the preparation and follow-up time are carried out in the laboratory during course times, so that there may be extended attendance times, corresponding to 4 SWS. The examination will be an oral presentation (04/2/2025): 20-minutes presentation of a scientific publication in the seminar. To pass the exercise (Übung), a 20-minutes presentation of the results of the laboratory work is required at the end of the course (07/02/2025). Successful participation in the seminar is a prerequisite for participation in the exercise (Übung).