Download Microbial physiology and biotechnology

Microbial physiology and
biotechnology
Kjeld Ingvorsen
[email protected]
Research palette:
Microorganisms can be both beneficial or harmful to mankind. An in depth knowledge of microbial
physiology and microbial ecology is very important in relation to either exploit microorganisms (e.g.
in biotechnology and bioremediation) or to combat them (e.g. in foods or industrial installations).
During the last decade we have worked with many aspects of basic and applied microbiology such
as: physiology and enzymology of extremophilic microorganism, microbial hydrolysis and
fermentation of plant polysaccharides, biofouling of industrial systems, microbial degradation of
toxic compounds and the ecology and physiology of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Methods:
We use a wide spectrum of classic and advanced methods for studying the
physiology of both “normal” and extremophilic microorganisms. These
methods include the use of chemical analysis by HPLC and GC, application of
radiotracers, artificial substrates, and state-of-the art computer controlled
fermentors (see figure).
Possible projects:
1. Physiological studies of dominant sulfate-reducing and nitrate-reducing microorganisms in hightemperature oil production systems.
2. Kinetics and physiology of bacterial cellulase production using computer controlled bioreactors.
3. Enzymatic conversion of plant biomass into biofuels.
Previous projects:
1. Diversity, activity and physiology of sulfate-reducing and nitrate-reducing prokaryotes in hightemperature oil recovery systems.
2. Microbial detoxification of para-nitrophenols (Breakwater 42/Cheminova project).
3. Microbial ecology of hypersaline environments (degradation of plant polymers; sulfate
reduction at high salinities).
4. Effects of biocides on microbial activity and diversity in industrial production systems.