Precision fermentation is a sophisticated technique involving the genetic reprogramming of microbes to produce specific and customised molecules. Thus, precision fermentation refers to tailor-made bioproduction, involving precise control and optimization of microbial growth conditions to enhance the production of specific target compounds, such as biofuels, drop-in, specialty, and dedicated chemicals, and recombinant proteins. This approach enables to tailor the output of microbial cell factories with a high degree of accuracy, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.

Molecular Biotechnology and Precision Fermentation research group (BioPreFer) aims to harness the power of microorganisms for sustainable and efficient production processes. The focus is on manipulating the genetic and metabolic pathways of microbes to transform them into efficient “cell factories” capable of producing valuable compounds.

In our research group, we engineer microorganisms at the genetic level, reprogramming their metabolism to optimize the production of desired compounds. This approach allows for the design of microbial strains capable of producing novel compounds, with enhanced productivity, substrate utilization, and/or resistance to environmental stresses. The ultimate goal of these research endeavors is to establish economically viable and environmentally sustainable bioproduction processes that can replace or complement traditional chemical manufacturing methods. Such microbial cell factories and biorefineries have the potential to revolutionize industries by providing eco-innovative alternatives to conventional products and production routes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to the development of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

For the generation of microbial cell factories, advanced molecular biotechnology tools are developed. Our research has contributed to the so-called circular economy with the development of yeast and filamentous fungi strains and intensified bioprocesses based on these strains for the valorization of several renewable substrates such as lignocellulosic and seaweed biomass, recycled paper sludge, crude glycerol, cheese whey, molasses, among others. Biofuels, resveratrol, furan derivatives, sweeteners, fragrances, and vitamins are some examples of value-added compounds successfully produced.

In addition to our focus on biofuels and bio(chemical) production, our research group places a strong emphasis on recombinant protein production. We develop sustainable bioprocesses for the development and production of industrial-relevant peptides/proteins such as sweet proteins, peptide-based insecticides, protein-based inks or affinity proteins/peptides. Our innovations in this area led to patented anti-counterfeiting technology, achieved through the design of proteins with smart properties and the development of bacterial strains and bioprocesses for their production.