Research areas and expertise

The GMCB conducts fundamental and applied research in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental protection.
The main areas of activity include:

  1. Isolation and characterization of microorganisms
    • Isolation of autochthonous microorganisms from natural and contaminated environments.
    • Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of microorganisms with biodegradative, biosynthetic, and biotechnological potential.
  2. Production and characterization of microbial bioactive compounds
    • Biosynthesis and chemical characterization of antibiotics, enzymes, biosurfactants, and exopolysaccharides (e.g., levan, dextran).
    • Development and modification of biopolymers for applications in the food industry, cosmetics, and environmental protection.
  3. Bioremediation, biodegradation, and biotransformation of pollutants
    • Microbial degradation and transformation of petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, halogenated organic compounds, and PFAS substances.
    • Investigation of the synergy between bioaugmentation and biostimulation in the treatment of contaminated water, soil, and sediments.
    • Application of bioremediation to eliminate hazardous and toxic substances from the environment.
  4. Thiobacterial processes and treatment of sulfide substrates
    • Study and application of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria for metal recovery and reduction of waste toxicity.
  5. Analysis and treatment of wastewater and leachates
    • Integration of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), membrane technologies, and microbiological methods in hybrid treatment systems.
    • Development of pilot-scale units and evaluation of their efficiency on real samples (industrial effluents, landfill leachates).
  6. Ecotoxicology and biodegradability testing
    • Use of the bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri to assess sample toxicity and biodegradability.
    • Development of bioindicators and standardized methods for ecotoxicity evaluation.
  7. Microbial ecology and biosignaling in nature
    • Investigation of microbial interactions and communication mechanisms (quorum sensing, biosignaling).
    • Analysis of microbiomes in various ecosystems and their impact on soil and plant health.
  8. Green chemistry and circular bioeconomy
    • Development of sustainable processes and materials based on biopolymers and waste biomass from agro- and wood-processing industries (e.g., lignin).
    • Application of biotechnology for the production of bioemulsifiers, bioadditives, and biodegradable materials.
  9. Microbiome, biofertilizers, and regenerative agriculture
    • Development of microbial fertilizers, probiotics, and biostimulants for improving soil fertility and plant resilience.
    • Analysis of soil and plant microbiomes and the feedback loop between healthy soil and microbial diversity.
    • Integration of aquaculture, hydroponics, and composting into closed-loop Living Lab – Symbiotika.
  10. Food and functional ingredients
    • Research and development of new infant formulas with specific bifidogenic and antioxidant properties.
    • Application of biotechnological approaches for obtaining functional ingredients and probiotic cultures.
  11. Education and Knowledge Transfer
    • Training and mentorship of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
    • Organization of summer schools, courses, and workshops in the fields of biotechnology and green chemistry.
    • Promotion of an interdisciplinary approach through projects, innovation initiatives, and public science communication.

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