Biotechnological use of yeasts, especially the Yarrowia lipolytica species; production of organic acids (citric, isocitric, succinic, α-ketoglutaric, pyruvic); polyhydric alcohols (mannitol, erythritol); biosurfactants, including the antimicrobial activity of new lipobiosurfactant conjugates immobilised on the surface of biopolymers; biosynthesis of fats and their derivatives and the use of volatile fatty acids for the biosynthesis of waxes; bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum compounds; characteristics of erythritol biosynthesis pathway, regulation of glycerol and sugar metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis.
- Biotechnological use of filamentous fungi, especially of the genus Trichoderma sp.; production of lytic enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, glucanase, chitinase), degradation of lignocellulosic waste, use of fungal preparations in biocontrol.
- Biotechnological use of bacteriophages: protection of animals against bacterial infections; the influence of bacteriophages on the microbiome of the poultry digestive tract.
- Biotechnological use of plants and genetic engineering to improve the functional properties of flax.
- Metabolic engineering of microorganisms, especially yeasts and filamentous fungi: improving the functioning of native metabolic pathways (erythritol biosynthesis, fat biosynthesis); increasing the range of substrates available for biotechnological processes; introduction of heterologous pathways for the biosynthesis of lipids and their derivatives into the yeast genome; the use of yeast to degrade plastics; improving the cellulolytic properties of filamentous fungi.
- Management of agri-food industry waste as substrates in biotechnological processes.
- Chemical and enzymatic modifications of the structure of natural phospholipids; lipophilisation of biologically active compounds to increase their bioavailability in biological systems; development of nanostructured lipid carriers that are effective in the delivery systems of substances with proven therapeutic activity; development of effective formulations in the treatment and prevention of neoplastic, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
- Biotechnological methods for obtaining dietary supplements.
Employees of the department cooperate with the Biotechlife – Biotechnology for Life and Industry Leading Research Team.
