The laboratory works on the analysis of the genomes of autochthonous and probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Through functional genomics studies, the aim is to determine the relationship and impact of the functional properties of lactic acid bacteria on the quality and safety of food. The regulatory mechanisms of the gene expression of an important group of operons present in lactic acid bacteria, responsible for the production of metabolites of industrial interest (such as mannitol, aroma compounds, antimicrobials, neuroactive compounds such as GABA, vitamins, among others) are also characterized. others).
Likewise, studies are carried out to optimize the production of autochthonous starter cultures for the wine industry and biocontrol agents (lactic acid bacteria, phages, killer yeasts, nanocomposites) are characterized for their use in the design of new strategies for the control of contaminating microorganisms that can be applied in processes of industrial interest.
The interaction of probiotic lactic acid bacteria with nosocomial pathogens is investigated as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics and with those related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Resistance to antibiotics of clinical and veterinary importance in lactic bacteria with biotechnological and functional interest is studied at the molecular level, as a safety and innocuousness characteristic.
In addition, in collaboration with the CERELA Technology and Development group, food-grade recombinant lactic acid bacteria are characterized and designed using cutting-edge genomic tools for use in food and health
Through interdisciplinary research projects, our group works closely with the various laboratories that make up CERELA and other CONICET institutes, such as PROIMI, IMPAM-UBA, INBIONATEC-UNSE, LByAB-FCEyN-UBA and FCAI-UNCuyo, IBYME, INSIBIUM. It also maintains international cooperation agreements with research groups from CSUF (California, USA), IATA-CSIC (Valencia, Spain), TESC (Olympia, USA), University of Alberta (Canada), The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Canada), Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation-CNR (Italy) and Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg (Germany).