This discipline explores the metabolic potential of microorganisms to produce high-value products for health, agriculture, energy, and industry. By integrating molecular biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocessing, it enables sustainable production of biomolecules, biofuels, and biochemicals.
Key Research Areas:
- Bioactive Compounds: Extraction of polysaccharides (β-glucans), lipids, and metabolites (cordycepin); genetic engineering of microbes (e.g., E. coli) to produce recombinant proteins and therapeutics.
- Fungal & Mushroom Biotechnology: Cultivation of mushrooms and mycelium on lignocellulosic and seaweed biomass; development of container-based and robotic farming systems.
- Microbiome Engineering: Designing soil and gut microbiomes to enhance fertility, nutrient cycling, plant growth, and human health.
- Biomanufacturing & Fermentation: Converting renewable feedstocks into biofuels and biochemicals through fermentation; integrating microbiome science with bioprocessing for circular, low-carbon production.
- Metabolic Engineering & Synthetic Biology: Designing biosynthetic pathways, developing synthetic biology tools, and improving microbial chassis for efficient bio-based production.
