Microbiology Molecular Genetics
The best known is perhaps antibiotics, including penicillins, which are used to treat infectious diseases. As microorganisms grow rapidly and are easy to handle in laboratories, they are important model organisms in biochemical and genetic studies. By using genetic engineering we can also change and control microorganisms so that they can be used in industrial processes to produce entirely new products.
We work within many areas of biotechnological microbiology, from fundamental studies to applied research financed by Norwegian industry. Alginate is a polysaccharide which is produced from seaweed and kelp by the Norwegian industry, and used as thickener in several products. We study how bacteria produce alginate, and how we can use bacteria or enzymes from these to make alginate with improved functional properties.
By using genetic engineering we try to make the bacteria produce antibiotics that are more efficient, particularly antibiotics that can be used against infections caused by fungus. We also try to make bacteria produce large amounts of the essential amino acid lycine, which is used in fodder for animals and fish. By studying how bacteria defend themselves against stress caused by salt and droughts, we identify genes that can make useful plants more tolerant to environmental stress.
Another fascinating area is the study of how microorganisms behave when grown in fermenters under simulated industrial growth conditions. This work is carried out in cooperation with SINTEF, the Department of Industrial Biotechnology, which has a well-equipped laboratory for such studies.
