Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology
Brief Description – General Information: The Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology is focusing on the fields of agri-food, environment, bioeconomy, and health, with particular emphasis on molecular nutrition and microbiome applications in food systems, aiming at the: • Design and development of bioprocesses and functional foods with potential beneficial effects on health, such as probiotics and prebiotics, natural products with positive effects, and pharmaceuticals, • Evaluation of the quality and nutritional value of novel foods or foods produced by innovative processes, and • Production of high value-added products through exploitation of various wastes from the agrifood industry. At the same time, the appropriate equipment and infrastructure for a wide range of microbiological, chemical, and molecular analyses on biological samples is available.
Research Interests: Given that the field of agri-food and circular Bioeconomy represents a revolutionary area of study, the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology focuses on: • The isolation, identification, and evaluation of the technological characteristics and health-promoting properties of new wild-type microorganisms; • The utilization of microbial strains of Greek origin as starter cultures for the food industry, suitable for the production of final products with distinct quality characteristics; • The design and development of bioprocesses, as well as functional ingredients and foods with potential health benefits, such as probiotics and prebiotics, natural products with beneficial properties, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, etc; • The assessment of the quality and nutritional value of new foods or foods produced through innovative processes; • The study of the microbiome of complex microbial communities in various ecosystems; and • The production of high added-value products through the valorization of agri-food industry by-products. As a result, the specific objectives of the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics at Democritus University of Thrace are: (a) To conduct cutting-edge research and generate new knowledge on microbial resource applications; (b) To leverage research data on microbial resources by providing innovative products and services that promote sustainability in the fields of agri-food, environment, bioeconomy, and health; (c) To establish a modern research infrastructure that supports an open-access and open-use model; (d) To strengthen close collaboration between academia and industry within the framework of the “knowledge triangle”, encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation and leading to innovative approaches and solutions at the intersection of agri-food, environment, bioeconomy, and health, as well as other scientific fields; and (e) To offer users from academia, the food industry, and public laboratories access to a portfolio of advanced services, expertise, training, and educational activities.
