Biomolecules for beneficial applications

Our research explores a diverse array of biomolecules produced by microorganisms, including antimicrobial compounds, biocatalysts, pigments, exopolysaccharides (EPS), EPS-mediated nanoparticles, and biosurfactants, with the aim of harnessing their unique properties and unlocking their potential for a wide range of 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 resources, our lab embarks on an exciting journey into the intriguing 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, biosurfactants, and pigments. 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. Pigments produced by microorganisms also form a significant part of our research endeavors. These natural colorants not only offer potential in textile, food, and cosmetic industries but also exhibit bioactive properties that could be harnessed in pharmaceuticals and biomedicine. We focus on isolating and characterizing microbial strains capable of producing unique and valuable pigments.  

Furthermore, our research extends to the synthesis of nanoparticles mediated by bioactive metabolites. We explore exopolysaccharide-mediated, biosurfactant-mediated, culture-mediated, and pigment-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles. These biologically synthesized nanoparticles exhibit unique properties and hold immense potential in various applications, including pathogen control, drug delivery, environmental sensing, and catalysis.  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.

Other projects:

Research outline

Probiotics

Pathogenic microbes

Microbial ecophysiology

Genomics and bioinformatics