We mainly use molecular biological techniques such as photometric cytotoxicity measurements, genotoxicity analyses based on fluorescence microscopy (comet assay, micronucleus test) in cell culture and bacterial reverse mutation tests. The in vitro studies in mammalian cells are supplemented by in vivo studies in zebrafish embryos and larvae, in which we perform morphology assessment, gene expression analyses using qPCR, and histopathological studies.

The research group works on various toxicological aspects of food safety, a list of selected research projects can be found below:

Alizarin Red S

Alizarin red S (ARS) is an anthraquinone dye that is used for the staining of calcified structures like bones. This property is made use of in the marking of the European eel. Eel stocking measures are used to counteract the extinction of this highly endangered fish species. To monitor the success of these measures, eels are marked with ARS before they are released back into the wild. However, as anthraquinones are known to be genotoxic, there are concerns about the food safety of eels marked with ARS. Accordingly, the toxicological potential of ARS will be characterized to provide a sound basis for risk assessment.

2-Chloroethanol

The use of ethylene oxide as a fumigant to protect food stocks is prohibited in Europe due to the carcinogenicity of ethylene oxide, but is still used in non-EU countries. Ethylene oxide is rapidly degraded to 2-chloroethanol. Unlike for ethylene oxide, the toxicological properties of 2-chloroethanol are largely unknown, so far. The identification of the toxicological hazard potential of 2-chloroethanol will therefore be investigated in detail.

Hexahydrocannabinol

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid, which is consumed via edibles (e.g. wine gums, marshmallows) or e-cigarettes. To date, there is hardly any reliable data available on the general toxicological effects. In order to fill this data gap, HHC is being analyzed regarding its toxicological properties.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of organofluorine compounds that have been widely used in commercial and industrial products such as non-adherent household utensils, waterproof clothes, cosmetics and fire-fighting foams. Because of their chemical stability, they are considered persistent organic pollutants, contaminating wildlife and environment, and ultimately entering the food chain. The project aims at analysing the toxic effects of PFAS mixtures as until now mainly the toxicity of single PFAS has been investigated.

Bisphenols

Bisphenols (BPs) are petroleum-based chemicals used in consumer products like in plastics for food and beverage packaging materials. BPs are classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which interfere with the maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of developmental processes in the body. Moreover, BPs affect the reproductive, nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, as well as behavior, development, and metabolic processes. The aim of the project is to expand the knowledge about the individual toxicity of bisphenols and their mixtures.