Research

At HOPE Lab, we explore the microbes, molecules, and mechanisms that shape life, health, and environmental resilience. Our research integrates microbial biochemistry, bioactive metabolites, One Health, microbial ecology, and multi-omics to understand how microbial systems function and how they can be harnessed for societal benefit. Guided by the 1H → 2O → 3P → 4E framework, we move from discovery to application linking Health, Organisms & Omics, Pathways & Protection, and the ecological and evolutionary effects of microbial activity to advance sustainable solutions for health, food, agriculture, and the environment. We welcome feedback and collaboration opportunities aligned with these themes.

Projects

Bioactive Molecules

Biomolecules for beneficial applications

We isolate and characterise microbial strains that produce industrially important metabolites – including antimicrobial peptides, exopolysaccharides, biosurfactants, pigments, and hydrolytic enzymes – and explore microbe‑mediated synthesis of biomaterials for pharmaceutical, food and environmental applications .....more

One Health Probiotics

Lactic acid bacteria for human, animal, plant and environmental health

Focusing on autochthonous lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods and beverages (borhani, laban, mattha, sugarcane juice), we evaluate their probiotic properties, safety, and technological potential. Extending the GRAS‑to‑grass concept, we also investigate LAB as plant growth‑promoting rhizobacteria and soil inoculants, bridging human, animal, plant and environmental health within a unified One Health framework .....more

Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals

Bioenriched functional foods from traditional fermentation

Harnessing the fermentative potential of lactic acid bacteria, we develop innovative, nutrient‑rich, and culturally relevant functional foods. By integrating functional genomics and metabolomics, we uncover molecular mechanisms that enhance gut health, immunity, and disease prevention while preserving local food heritage and promoting sustainable food systems .....more

Biological Pollution Control

Sustainable Environmental Management

We harness biosurfactant‑producing bacteria from oil‑contaminated soils, characterise their emulsification and oil‑removal capacities, and investigate PGPR‑assisted bioremediation of pollutants. Multi‑omics integration guides the development of eco‑friendly strategies for oil spill cleanup, industrial effluent treatment, and ecosystem restoration .....more

One Health & Antimicrobial Resistance

Zoonotic pathogens, AMR surveillance and alternative antimicrobials

Employing a One Health framework, we study the prevalence, pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance patterns of foodborne zoonotic pathogens and multidrug‑resistant clinical isolates. We also screen for novel antimicrobial compounds – bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides and exopolysaccharides – as sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics .....more

Ecology, Diversity & Extremophiles

Microbial diversity and adaptation in unique ecosystems

Using culture‑dependent and metagenomic approaches, we analyse microbial communities in the gut of aquatic animals, rhizosphere and phyllosphere of plants, fermented foods, and extreme environments (alkaliphilic niches, high‑salinity habitats). These studies uncover novel enzymes, stress‑tolerance mechanisms and symbiont–host interactions with biotechnological relevance.....more

Multi-Omics

Genomics, Glycomics, Metabolomics

We perform whole‑genome sequencing, comparative genomics and metagenomics to identify genes of probiotic, pathogenic and industrial significance. Special emphasis is placed on glycomics – exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, glycan‑modifying enzymes and glycoconjugate metabolism – integrated with metabolomics to decode microbial pathways and accelerate bioactive compound discovery.....more

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