Applied Microbiology
Our expertise lies in the application of molecular biology approaches to fundamental research on micro-organisms of importance to industry.
We also seek to understand at both phenotypic and genomic levels, how microorganisms behave in complex environments. We use techniques such as phenomics, genomics and transcriptomics to relate microbial physiology to gene regulation and expression and to understand their environmental control. Metagenomics are used to examine the complex interactions in microbial populations. We make use of synthetic biology expertise to engineer microorganisms to make novel metabolites such as high value chemicals.
We also have a thriving research unit examining the application of bacteriophage, viruses which specifically kill bacteria. Our work focusses on all aspects of the application of bacteriophage, including their use as natural biocontrol agents for bacterial pathogens within food production environments, the control of infection in animals as a veterinary therapeutic and as rapid diagnostic tool for tuberculosis.