— ADVERTORIAL — Julian Ihssen, a microbiologist and senior lab manager at NEMIS, has spent much of his career pioneering methods to detect and manage pathogenic bacteria. With a PhD from ETH Zurich and years of experience at Biosynth AG and NEMIS , Ihssen has significantly contributed to the development of AquaSpark technology, a luminogenic detection system for E. coli and other pathogenic bacteria.
His work is at the forefront of ensuring food safety, particularly through innovative testing methods that enhance our understanding and management of E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella contamination. The evolution of E.
coli detection In a recent interview Ihssen delved into the history and significance of E. coli as both a scientific subject and a public health concern. “E.
coli was first isolated in 1885 by Theodor Escherich,” Ihssen explained. “It’s a Gram-negative bacterium well-adapted to its hosts, primarily humans and other mammals, and it can grow rapidly under the right conditions, sometimes doubling in as little as 21 minutes.” E.
coli’ s ability to adapt to various stressors and its rapid growth rate make it an ideal candidate for laboratory studies and practical applications in food safety. “In my PhD thesis,” Ihssen recounted. “I focused on how E.
coli adapts to low nutrient concentrations, revealing its flexibility and resilience.” Pathogenic vs. commensal E.
coli E. coli is not inherently harmful; in fact, it’s a normal part o.
