The division Molecular and Applied Entomology develops and applies digital methods for research and testing of insect-material interactions.

We engage in primary research to tackle fundamental and longstanding questions in insect biology using state-of-the-art molecular methodologies; with a cross-cutting emphasis on evolution, immunity, microbiota, and behaviour. Newly generated insights are applied to developing automated laboratory experimental systems for insect-material testing applications, with a focus on safety and sustainability of materials, particularly those subject to insect-induced degradation. We identify insects that damage materials, develop and apply standards for biocide testing, examine how materials are degraded, as well as provide reference organisms and genomes.

Biocorrosion

Environment-material interactions

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  • Fields of expertise

    • Biodeterioration
    • Genomics
    • Transcriptomics
    • Insect behaviour
    • Insect immunity
    • Molecular biology of insect microbiota
    • Biological pest control in material protection

  • Main activities

    • Digital characterization of insects capable of destroying materials, from behaviour through to microbiota and host genomics
    • High-throughput (sequence) analysis
    • Automation of laboratory experimental systems
    • Cultivation of insects involved in the deterioration and degradation of materials
    • Biocide efficacy testing in material protection

  • Range of services/technical equipment

    • Effectiveness tests of material protection agents against insects
    • Biological pest control in material protection
    • Molecular characterization of insects, microbiota including next generation sequencing
    • Reference organisms
    • Climate chambers and climate rooms
    • Controlled testing rooms with soil beds
    • S1/S2 Laboratories
    • Stereoscope imaging

  • Publications of the division

    In the database PUBLICA you will find publications by BAM employees.

    Publications of the division Molecular and Applied Entomology in PUBLICA

    PUBLICA

Dr. Dino McMahon, Department Materials and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

Contact Dr. Di­no McMa­hon

Materials and the Environment

Phone +49 30 8104-3837

Email