Division of Microbiology

The main scientific interests of the employees of the Department of Microbiology and the Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry relate to the biology of selected bacteria (including staphylococci and aerobic rods), fungi (representatives of the genus Malassezia, Candida, and Saccharomyces), and the health risks associated with them. In addition, we also use diploid cell lines to better understand cancer biology. Our employees apply specialized research equipment enabling conducting complex molecular and cellular analyzes. For example, we work with modern DNA sequencers, real-time PCR, pulse-field gel electrophoresis kit, complete protein analysis laboratory with 2D electrophoresis, HPLC, and many others.

Scientific research: 
 

Microbiology

• Entomopathogenic properties of environmental isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis and search for new strains active against plant crops.
• Genetic polymorphism among natural populations of  Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus.
• Toxicity of Bacillus cereus from food products.
• Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of staphylococcal populations from wild small mammals. 
• Molecular analysis of plasmids and genes encoding resistance to distinct antibiotics. 
• Biodiversity and environmental taxonomy of Staphylococcus sp.

Biophysics

• Mechanisms of action of new antioxidants isolated from plants.
• The impact of polyphenols of the cell membranes.
• Biological activity of complexes built of gold nanoparticles and tannins and their potential application in therapy.
• The search for new antimicrobial chemicals isolated from plants.