Prof. Dr. Karin Mittmann and Jens Heitmann at the PCR device
Steinfurt, Germany. In the near future, dentists will be able to identify harmful bacteria in the oral cavity of patients directly in their practice. With his graduate thesis at the university of applied sciences in Burgsteinfurt, Jens Heitmann from Greven is providing an important building block for this new process. Prof. Dr. Karin Mittmann from the Faculty of Engineering Physics has supervised the research work "Temperature Measurements and Color Analysis in a Real-time PCR Device". The special diagnostic procedure for dental practices is being jointly developed by the Münster-based companies Carpegen and Systec and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Currently, doctors have to send samples in for examination, but the new detection method is intended to help doctors make a diagnosis during the appointment. "The special challenge of the project lies in the precise temperature measurement of the tiny samples," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Mittmann. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method to amplify genetic material. "The temperature has a very special significance, and the yield of the process improves if the temperature is correct," explains the graduate student, who is carrying out his investigations at Systec.
Heitmann is particularly pleased that he will continue to work with Systec after he graduates. Parallel to his professional start, the young engineer has enrolled in the master's program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences, although he is not going to turn in his graduate thesis until the beginning of the semester. "It is now possible to enroll in the master's degree program Biomedical Engineering before submitting his thesis and giving the colloquim," emphasizes the professor. Thus, for the first time a direct start in the winter semester is possible, even though the graduate thesis will not be turned in until October. This possibility also exists for external applicants , who have done their basic studies at another university. Those who are interested should contact the Service Office of the University of Applied Sciences. Questions can be answered by Prof. Dr. Karin Mittmann by email mittmannfh-muensterde or by phone +49 (0) 25 51 / 96 27 90. All important study information is also available on the internet. www.fh-muenster.de
Westfälische Nachrichten, 04.09.2007
Translated into English by B.Sc. Samuel Young