What's your task as a PhD student, Kaja?

Kaja Reiffert (24) is a doctoral student in the Bioimaging research group. In her dissertation, she studies the effects of ultra-small silver nanoparticles on the human body. In order to learn more about her work in the lab, the editorial team asked Kaja to finish the following sentences.

Bioimaging Research Group

Prof Dr Anika Grüneboom T: +49 (0)231 1392-239 E: anika.grueneboom@isas.de

Bacteria such as Escherichia coli play an important role in Kaja Reiffert’s research. The young scientist monitors the development of the bacterial strains she has cultivated and treated.

At ISAS I am working on…

investigating the influence of ultra-small metallic nanoparticles (1-2 nm small) on eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotes are, for example, fungi, animals or plants. Bacteria are prokaryotes.

This research question is important because…

nanoparticles could potentially prevent bacterial infection in connection with implants in the clinic.

My theory is…

that ultra-small silver nanoparticles show an enhanced antimicrobial effect, but also cytotoxic activity. This means there is a chance that they kill bacteria, but damage our cells at the same time. I want to find out whether I can modulate this »toxic« activity through a combination of different metals and thus adjust it to eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

The equipment I use most in the lab is…

the confocal microscope for my analysis of fluorescence-marked nanoparticles.

My experiments are…

amongst others, so-called vitality assays, the cultivation of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells as well as analyses with microscopes and a flow cytometer. I am always planning new experiments.

My highlight every day is…

to be able to look back on a productive and eventful day.

(NG accompanied the lab visit.)