Biomolecules for beneficial applications

Biocatalysis and Biotransformation

Biocatalysts are the catalysts of biological organisms that speed up chemical reactions. Of all organisms, microbes, specially bacteria and fungi are most preferred for the large-scale commercial production of biocatalysts since these organisms are the easiest, cheapest and fastest to grow in a relatively small and simple set-up, and also suitable to genetic manipulation for increased production of biocatalysts under wide culture conditions. Moreover, many biocatalysts of microbial origin are largely diversified in their catalytic properties and substrate specificities with high activity at a wide range of temperature, pH and salinity on multiple substrates. Hence, by the isolation and screening of microorganisms from a variety of  sources, we've been looking for novel strains producing enzymes of industrial interest, particularly those producing extracellular hydrolases, and the glycan-modifying enzymes. In addition, we also seek out extremophiles such as alkaliphilic or halophilic bacteria since they produce valuable enzymes which catalyze reactions under extreme environments.

Functional Metabolites

In tandem with our pursuit of enzymatic marvels, our lab embarks on an exciting journey into the captivating world of bioactive metabolites. These compounds, with diverse structures and functionalities, play a pivotal role in various biological activities, offering potential applications in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to environmental remediation.  One focal point of our research involves the investigation of bioactive metabolites such as exopolysaccharides and biosurfactants. Exopolysaccharides, secreted by microorganisms into their surrounding environment, exhibit remarkable properties with applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Our exploration delves into isolating strains with the capacity to produce unique exopolysaccharides, unlocking possibilities for innovative applications.  Biosurfactants, another class of bioactive metabolites, intrigue us with their emulsifying and surface-active properties. Produced by various microorganisms, these molecules hold promise in environmental cleanup, enhanced oil recovery, and beyond. Our efforts center on isolating strains proficient in biosurfactant production, aiming to harness these compounds for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Through our dedicated efforts in isolating, characterizing, and understanding the properties of these bioactive metabolites, we aspire to contribute to the development of novel applications and sustainable solutions. 

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