Reference Organisms Database

BAM offers a new "Reference Organisms Database" for bacteria, fungi and insects on the Internet which can be used for standard tests and tests on manufactured products.

"A unique feature of the database is a linkage between reference organisms and standards. 62 organisms have been assigned to 23 standards. The customer can thus quickly obtain information as to which organisms are necessary for his tests" says Associate Professor Dr. Hans-Jörg Kunte, Head of Division Biology in Materials Protection and Environmental Issues.

The special feature of this database is that it contains standard reference insects. BAM's scientists have characterised structure and form (morphology) of four beetle, seven termite and two moth types.

Standard tests for materials protection are important since they must serve their objective reliably and safely over long periods of time, even if they are exposed to biogenic pressures. Wood is particularly favoured as part of the food chain of bacteria, fungi and insects, but plastics such as paints and lacquers or textiles are not rejected by these organisms either.

BAM, together with industry and users, have identified and characterised organisms with material destroying effects. These organisms must be described in great detail in test methods yet to be developed. To do this, BAM's experts have produced the selected organisms in a pure culture and are testing them according to the standard's specifications using the latest methods. Only then can they be offered as reference organisms in the database.

Source: Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM)