Eco-biotechnology
Research in the field of eco-biotechnology is focused on developing eco-sustainable processes based on microorganisms and their metabolic potential, to protect and preserve environment. Group for Eco-biotechnology and Drug Development studies biocatalytic solutions for remediation of hazardous and persistent pollutants, and upcycling of plastic waste to value - added molecules such as biopolymers, microbial nanocellulose and biosurfactants. Part of the research is ongoing under Horizon Europe projects EcoPlastic and Twinn4MicroUp.
Microorganisms and environment
Several groups are dedicated to the identification and isolation of microorganisms from a variety of environmental samples, characterization of their products, and development of potential applications. Group for Molecular Microbiology is focused on application of bacterial enzymes and molecules for detergent degradation, food preservation in food industry, and cleaning processes. Group for Sociomicrobiology studies the soil microbiome with the aim of applying beneficial microorganisms as natural and artificial consortia, as well as their products (small molecules and enzymes) in bioremediation, agriculture and medicine.
Medicinal biotechnology
Medicinal biotechnology research focuses on complex relationships and processes in microbial communities, with particular focus on biofilms. Group for Sociomicrobiology investigates small molecules underlying those processes, such as extracellular signaling molecules, secondary metabolites and catabolic enzymes, with aim of developing new antimicrobial therapeutics, new experimental models, biomarkers for more accurate/faster diagnostics and new generation drugs.
Group for eco-biotechnology and drug development is studing and optimizing production of microbial bioactive secondary metabolites through strain and bioprocess development, as well as their structural diversification using biocatalysis and green chemistry.
Food biotechnology
Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction studies the role of microbiota and probiotic treatment in stimulation of farmed fish growth, and the effect of the microbiota of flour and sourdough on the functionality of bread. Group for Plant Molecular Biology studies complex molecular mechanisms activated in plant response to environmental stress, which involve different levels: genetic, biochemical and metabolic.