Our research is focused on using microbial bioprocesses to convert wastes and by-products into valuable resources through upstream and downstream processing strategies. These processes support key biotechnological areas such as bioenergy production, bioproduct generation, and bioremediation. Different microbial systems can be employed, including single cultures, co-cultures, and mixed consortia, allowing flexibility and robustness depending on the target product and substrate.

The development of these bioprocesses involves several critical stages: process development and optimization, monitoring and control, mathematical modeling, and scale-up from laboratory to industrial scale. After microbial conversion, downstream processing is used for the recovery and purification of bioproducts, followed by detailed characterization to ensure quality, performance, and functionality.

Microbial processes enable the production of a wide range of bioproducts, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polysaccharides, single-cell protein (SCP), organic acids, pigments, and aroma compounds. Our research is also focused on using these bioproducts in several applications, which spans across packaging materials, functional coatings, and single-use products. They are also used in advanced material systems such as biocomposites, drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, and microneedles. Additional applications include hydrogels and emulsions for biomedical and food industries, bioactive compounds for health and pharmaceutical uses, and sustainable building blocks for future bio-based materials.