Bacterial and fungal pathogens detection, isolation, characterisation and preservation under controlled conditions
Reference pathogenic strains for bioessays and diagnosis

Bacterial genome scanning for investigation of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance

Preparation of inactivated strains to be used for the development of vaccines

Identification of taxonomically related Streptomyces strains with antimicrobial activity using mass spectrometry profiles

Scanning of fungal genomes, identification of pathways for synthesis of biomolecules with pharmaceutical interest and heterologous expression of silent fungal gene clusters for bioactive compounds production

In vitro screening of anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious activities (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic) of newly isolated strains or strains preserved in mBRCs (including archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, yeasts and fungi isolated from untapped environments)

In vitro screening of phages for phage therapy as alternative to antimicrobials

In vitro screening for health-promoting properties i.e. production of organic acids, vitamins, aminoacids, GABA

Isolation and/or selection of strains with probiotic activity, screening of probiotic potential and analysis of resistance to gastrointestinal conditions

Food microbiome: metagenomic & culturomic analysis, fungal/yeasts/bacterial species isolation and identification

In vitro screening of food preservation activities: antifungal, antibacterial

Analysis of relevant metabolites for food production (e.g. exopolysaccharide, esters, superior alcohols, volatile compounds in wine production)

Microalgae strain selection and mass culture optimisation for aquaculture feed and food ingredients production

Food-waste products recycling: isolation, identification and characterisation of degrading strains

Genome mining for food safety assessment according to EFSA and/or other guides/agencies i.e. antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial production, toxigenicity and pathogenicity

Analysis of mycotoxin profiles

Investigation of food contamination and identification of bacteria and fungi applying an integrated polyphasic approach (e.g. identification of Alicyclobacillus sp., frequent spoiler of fruit juices)

Selection and characterisation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi strains for application in agricultural and horticultural crops

Investigation of microbial activities with impact in soil nutrients (e.g. siderophore production, phosphate solubilisation)
Identification and quantification for registry purposes

Identification and characterisation of strains used as biocontrol agents (e.g. Trichoderma harzianum)

Compositional and functional characterisation of microbiomes from metal contaminated sites, strain isolation (cyanobacteria, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, microalgae) and taxonomic characterisation. Screening of tolerance to heavy metals.

Screening of existing microbial resources (cyanobacteria, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, microalgae) for biotransformation of organic pollutants (e.g. phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)

Characterisation of microbial communities, isolation of autochthonous strains or selection of strains in mBRC (bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, microalgae) for application in wastewater treatment processes

Assessment from bacterial genome annotation of specific enzymatic activities for biofuel production (e.g. hydrolytic activities) and in vitro validation

Characterisation of microbial communities and/or screening and isolation of autochthonous strains for enzymatic activities aimed at biomass degradation and waste-to-energy valorisation

Microalgae strain selection, ecophysiology, growth and mass culture for biofuel production

Analysis of the production of polyhydroalkanoates

Selection of strains for microbial calcium carbonate deposition and counselling for processes development

Analysis of relevant enzymatic activities with environmental and industrial interest (alginase, chitinase, lignolytic activity, agarase, amylase, β-glucanase, protease...)

Counselling for microbial bioprocesses: growth and productivity, screening of tolerances under technological conditions, analysis of biotechnological relevant behaviour (e.g. flocculation, foaming)