[Risk assessment of the industrial application of genetically engineered microorganisms]

Factors affecting the persistence, dissemination of GEM's and their gene transfer to indigenous microorganisms are important in assessing potential risks posed by environmental release of GEM's. Risk assessment should essentially contain case studies of the extent and ways of release, GEM stability and gene transfer under laboratory and in situ-conditions. Some aspects of a risk assessment study for the industrial production of alpha-Amylase from a genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis strain are discussed.