The fluorescence microscope 1 is used to create sludge images using Life/Dead. In addition, individual species are identified by FISH and the composition of biofilm components (EPS anayses) is clarified using different staining techniques. Three-dimensional structures and spatial arrangements within the biofilm or on optimized carrier materials are also determined and analysed using the Nikon LV100.

The fluorescence microscope 2 is primarily used for fluorescence and transmitted light microscopy (e.g. phase contrast) of bacteria and bacterial communities.

The sterile bench is used for all microbiological work that requires clean working conditions without contamination.

Sterile bench 2 is used for all PCR assays and for all molecular assays that require highly pure microbiological work.

The benchtop centrifuge is mainly used for centrifuging extraction products (DNA, RNA, proteins, etc.), but also sludge and bacterial samples.

The thermoblock is used to incubate extrusion preparations.

The PCR cycler 1 is used for qualitative block PCR approaches.

The PCR cycler 3 is used for qualitative and quantitative PCR approaches (RT-PCR).

The PCR cycler 2 is also used for qualitative block PCR approaches.

Horizontal gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments and check PCR products.

The small vertical gel electrophoresis chamber is used to perform small SDS-PAGE (protein separation).

The large vertical gel electrophoresis chamber is also used to perform high-resolution SDS-PAGE and DGGE.

The gel documentation is used for the electronic processing of images of agarose gels and others.

The autoclave is used for autoclaving and sterilizing microbiological materials.