The ILM's major cell biology investigations involve the quantification of the phototoxicity of different substances (primarily photosensitisers, dyes) used in photodynamic therapy, as well as the investigation of cellular mechanisms of action such as those that trigger cell death following light irradiation.

Another major priority of the ILM's cell biology investigations is the selection, establishment and validation of suitable test systems for a broad range of issues that are dealt with at the ILM as part of publicly funded projects or contract research on behalf of industry. One example of this work is the establishment of stable transfectants for the validation of an innovative screening method for cellular surfaces.

Molecular biology

The molecular biology methods were established in order to enable the ILM to investigate the mechanisms of action and the mechanisms of damage of photosensitisers and laser irradiation on the DNA, RNA and protein level. Besides investigations into the expression of different proteins using RT-PCR and Western blot to elucidate specific questions, the ILM also undertakes the cloning of the vectors (plasmids) required for these purposes.

Histology

Histological investigations can be used to visualise and semi-quantitatively detect damage that is/can be caused through the energy impact of laser irradiation in tissue. The spectrum of established histological methods comprises:

• Soft tissue histology (paraffin- and frozen sections)
• Hard tissue histology (thin sections)
• Immunohistology