Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology (CMFT)

Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana

-500007

Activities at the lab

Probiotics for anti-urolithiatic and anti-cancer activity

RenPro: A probiotic consortia containing Lactobacillus sp. and Yeast strain showing anti-urolithiatic and anti-cancer properties. It prevents the formation of kidney stones by acting against oxalate formation. It helps in preventing intestinal cancer. The anti-cholesterol property of the formulation prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the body.

Probiotics for anti-diarrhea and anti-microbial properties

ProGut: This formulation contains Pediococcus and Lactobacillus sp. helps in treating diarrhoea and prevents gastrointestinal infections. The anti-microbial property prevents the establishment of pathogens and maintains a balanced gut microbial population. It also helps in relieving constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Bio-products from complete utilization of lignocellulosic biomass

Lignocelluloses constitute the most abundant source of agricultural biomass which is generally underutilized or disposed of as waste or burnt away. This causes serious environmental pollution and wastage of valuable substrates which could otherwise be used to generate various valuable products. In view of this, the centre focuses on completely utilizing agricultural waste and its conversion into useful products.

Bioethanol from Holocellulose

At the centre, the agricultural biomass is subjected to various pretreatment methods like acid/alkali treatment, steam explosion, chemical treatment or biological pretreatment which separates the biomass into its individual constituents like holocellulose and lignin. The holocellulose component is subjected to microbial fermentation where they convert it into simple sugars, utilize them for metabolic activities and generate ethanol and CO2. The ethanol is collected and can be readily used and/or mixed in fuel blends.

Biopolymers from Lignocellulose

Considering the growing concern over plastic pollution various alternative sources have been in the line lately. One of the most feasible and effective alternatives is the use of naturally produced plastic from microbes. These are called biopolymers which are used to manufacture various day to day life products. At the centre, we subject lignocellulosic components especially lignin to microbes where they completely break down the component and produce precursors of bioplastic. Metabolic engineering strategies like CRISPR-Cas9 technology is under development at the centre using which alterations at genomic levels will be made to enhance the production of these precursors.

Fermented neera

The centre has initiated the processing and development of fermented toddy palm nectar to improve its shelf life and make it available for urban populations. The intent of developing neera is to highlight its nutritional properties and to make it available to the populations round the clock without losing its original flavour and nutrients. The technologies developed will be transferred for commercialization and this would also improve the quality of life of toddy tappers.

HPLC grade water

HPLC grade water for analytical purposes has been produced at the centre to make it available for small scale laboratories and institutions at affordable price. 1 litre bottles are packed in aseptic conditions, sealed and are ready for commercialization.

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