Suitable proteins of the human body can be used as biomarkers and provide important information about a person's state of health. Changes in the quantity of these biomarkers in body fluids such as blood can indicate diseases at an early stage. In the case of serious diseases such as cancer, detection at an earlier stage can improve treatment options.

A core task of the “Protein Diagnostics” team is to develop new methods for detecting protein-based biomarkers for the early detection of occupational cancers. Other fields of research are inflammation and post-COVID syndrome. This includes the production of biomarker proteins using bacteria and the development of methods for detecting biomarkers in human samples. The use of proteins as prognostic and predictive biomarkers is also being evaluated. Another focus is on the continuous improvement of existing detection methods. The use of new technologies can often significantly increase the accuracy and informative value of these biomarkers.

In addition, the existing laboratory workflows are also used to produce protein-based allergens. These are processed in collaboration with the Department of Allergology/Immunology for the diagnosis of occupational allergies and contribute to the development of suitable detection methods.