Research Dieter Vandenheuvel

Abstract

Lactobacillaceae are the best documented family of beneficial bacteria with crucial roles in human reproduction, fermented foods, pollinator health, and other "one health"-related functions. However, we know surprisingly little about the beneficial activities of lactobacilli, beyond lactic acid production. Recently, we discovered that, despite the relatively small genomes of most Lactobacillaceae (about 3 Mbp), many species do contain large gene clusters, such as non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). Preliminary results indicate unusual chemistry and valuable genetic elements and metabolites, which could contribute to insights into microbial ecology and synthetic re-engineering of non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs). This diverse class of molecules is known to elicit different effects, ranging from antimicrobial activity to immunomodulation and anti-cancer effects. We believe these molecules play a key role in explaining the lactobacilli dominance in specific niches, such as the human vagina and vegetable fermentations. Using in silico analysis, the diversity of NRPS systems in Lactobacillaceae will be classified. The most interesting NRPs will be chemically and functionally characterized in view of their mode of action. Using genetic engineering, we will gain more insight into the important features of these NRPs and explore possibilities for enhancing activity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Vandenheuvel Dieter
• Fellow: Van Hee Matisse

Research team(s)

• Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (LAMB)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Most of the farmers and industries rely on the microbial inhibition tests as a screening tool for a broad range of antibiotics because it is natural, intuitive, and simple enough to be operated by non-specialists outside laboratories. Unfortunately, it suffers from drawbacks such as long analysis time and sensitivity issues. To improve the on-site screening test, we introduce the pioneering idea to couple cost effective and sensitive amperometric sensors with bacterial inhibition tests. Our method will lower the risks for public health and operational costs for industries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandenheuvel Dieter
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The problem of air pollution is often highly underestimated. Recent studies of both the World Health Organisation and UNICEF show the adverse effects on the human health. According to these studies, air pollution causes the death of 6.5 million people, amongst which 600,000 children under the age of 5.The biggest contributors to air pollution are the industry, traffic, indoor cooking fuels and chemical solvents. They cause a high level of air pollution, in- and outdoors, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as one of the pollutants. Air pollution does not only affect human health. It was already noticed that the plant's phyllosphere microbiome changes under the influence of air pollution. Especially an enrichment of bacteria capable of metabolizing air pollution was noted. In this study, we want to isolate and characterize these air pollution metabolizing bacteria for the phyllosphere, by incubating them in the presence of VOCs. The genome of interesting isolates will be fully sequenced and functionally annotated. Special attention will go to the identification of VOC bioremediating genes. In the last phase of this research project, the bioremediating capacity of the isolates will be tested in an experimental setting. A young plant will be sprayed with the bioremediating bacteria, and placed in a plant chamber under controlled atmosphere. In this atmosphere, VOCs will be present. The concentration of these VOC will be followed over time, for one week. With this setup, we want to study the bioremediation capacity of the newly isolated species in a realistic experimental setting. Bacterial species capable of successfully breaking down air pollutants, can help to clean the in- and outdoor air by simply applying them to vegetation outdoors or indoors chamber plants. The applied bacteria can clean the air from their natural environment, the phyllosphere, in a sustainable way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandenheuvel Dieter

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project