Research team
Expertise
In the domain of wastewater resource recovery and microbial protein production, the core focus revolves around harnessing the unique capabilities of purple phototrophic bacteria. This specialization involves a multi-faceted approach, encompassing wastewater analysis, microbial culture management, and the extraction of microbial proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The distinct pigments of these bacteria are analyzed to monitor their health and potential biotechnological applications, while gas production is also examined to optimize growth conditions. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) plays a pivotal role in quantifying and separating compounds, facilitating accurate monitoring of production processes. Beyond protein and PHA production, this field extends to the development of various bioproducts, ranging from biofuels to specialty chemicals, with the overarching goal of sustainable resource utilization and environmental remediation.
Purple phototrophic bacteria in extreme halophilic condition for pigment production.
Abstract
The Purplex project is a pioneering research initiative exploring the potential of purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) in extreme halophilic conditions for the sustainable production of natural pigments. Aimed at addressing the growing preference for natural over synthetic pigments, the project focuses on isolating new high-salinity-tolerant PPB strains and studying their pigment production capabilities, particularly carotenoids and bacteriochlorophylls (BChl). Employing advanced genome-scale computational methods and flux balance analysis, the project seeks to optimize pigment production efficiency, surpassing traditional cultivation techniques. This approach is complemented by the utilization of cost-effective substrates, such as food industry byproducts, aligning with circular economy principles. Anticipated outcomes include a new collection of marine and halophilic PPB (HPPB) strains, innovative methods for pigment extraction, and optimized photobioreactor conditions for scalable pigment production. This project not only promises to enhance our understanding of HPPB but also aims to revolutionize sustainable pigment production, with broad applications across agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried
- Fellow: Diaz Allegue Luis
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Circular economy based biorefinery concepts for the Agricultural value chain and Resilient Enhancement of Smallholder livelihoods in the coffee growing regions of Ethiopia.
Abstract
The CARES project focuses on the innovative utilization of coffee by-products for bioenergy and high-value bio products, promoting sustainable development in the Coffee Value Chain Agricultural sector of Ethiopia, Africa's leading coffee producer. This initiative will boost the economy of big and smallholder farmers and help to establish a research network to explore the most sustainable methods for producing marketable, value added, eco-friendly products, involving stakeholders from societal, political and academic spheres. Addis Ababa Institute of Technology will enhance the regional impact, through multidisciplinary research and innovation. CARES adopts circular economy concepts, to maximize usage of coffee plantation by-products with unique recycling, and valorisation methods to strengthen collaboration and skill transfer between Ethiopian and Belgian entities, in line with VLIR-UOS' commitment to technology transfer, sustainability and innovation.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diaz Allegue Luis
- Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
PurpleHealth: Improved health and welfare for cold and warm water ornamental fish with eco-friendly feed based on purple bacteria.
Abstract
Ornamental fish is the third and fish most common group of pets in the United States and the European Union, respectively. This includes both tropical aquarium fish and ornamental cold-water pond fish. Perhaps the best-known examples of the latter are goldfish (Carassius auratus). A very exclusive but rapidly expanding market is that of Koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus), where a single fish can be priced in the range of 5 to 50.000 €, depending on size and coloration. The most expensive koi so far is a female Kohaku koi, named 'S Legend', that was sold for 1.8 million dollars in 2018. At such prices, the health of individual fish becomes extremely important, and nature-based nutraceutical products can play an important role in ensuring animal welfare. Results of our previous project PurpleGuppy showed that feed with a 2-10% replacement of fishmeal by microbial protein, particularly from the purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) Rhodobacter capsulatus or Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides, enhanced growth and offspring production in the tropical aquarium fish Poecilia reticulata. Moreover, it increased the brightness of coloration (important parameter in shows and competitions) and strengthened the immune system, resulting in a 35% better survival (from 33% in control to 78% in PNSB-fed fish) after infection with the bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. The currently proposed research will elaborate on this, with multispecies validation on tropical aquarium fish in a practically relevant settng to bring us from customer readiness level CRL 5-6 to CRL 6-7. On the other hand, we want to expand our knowledge to cold-water fish markets, with a focus on Koi carp as the species of interest as this is where most added value can be created. Special attention will be paid to disease resistance in winter temperatures (<10°C) when the immune system in koi is known to be weakened.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Boeck Gudrun
- Co-promoter: Diaz Allegue Luis
- Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project