Research Projects

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common hereditary life-threatening condition in Belgium and is included since 2019 in the newborn screening program in Flanders to promote early diagnosis and treatment and consequently outcome. Antibiotics and the more recent modulator therapies are crucial in the treatment of persons with CF, but they both have limitations. For instance, even with modulator therapy, structural lung damage persist, pathogens remain present in high numbers, and exacerbations still occur. Complementary and/or alternative treatments for persons with CF remain thus of high interest, especially preventive therapies that can be used in early stages. The use of beneficial bacteria from the airway microbiome is an appealing option as such early-stage prevention, since several studies highlight the importance of the entire microbial communities. Especially the beneficial members are known to be important for airway health and in preventing potential pathogens from causing excessive inflammation. In order to study these complex bacterial interactions in the CF host, more sophisticated models that better represent the in vivo conditions are needed. In this project, I aim to develop a CF interaction model to study these complex interactions by making use of a CF bronchoalveolar epithelial cell line and immune cell line. The interaction of both beneficial microbiome members and CF pathogens will be studied within the model, in terms of epithelial barrier stability, inflammatory cytokine and mucin expression, and cytotoxicity. This model can aid the development of microbiome therapies for the airways.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Boeck Ilke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In an era marked by escalating concerns over antibiotic and antimycotic resistance, the need to explore unconventional sources of antimicrobial agents has become increasingly urgent. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens challenges the efficacy of traditional antibiotics, thereby causing serious global public health risks and a worldwide pandemic. In this context, lactobacilli, traditionally renowned for their probiotic properties, have recently emerged as a promising source of novel antibiotics. These lactic acid bacteria, abundant in various natural habitats including the human vagina and fermented foods, present a unique opportunity for the discovery of antimicrobial compounds that could potentially address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis. This research project aims to elevate recent discoveries regarding potential antibiotic production, including a novel type of bacteriocins, by lactobacilli from the host laboratory to a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Our objectives include purifying and characterizing these compounds by assessing their antimicrobial efficacy against key pathogens, including yeasts like Candida albicans and ESKAPE pathogens and elucidate their mode of action. Hereto, we will assess their safety and efficacy in in vivo models and initiate the development of a (multispecies) bacterial formulation that can be used in future studies. The ultimate goal is to amass a robust dataset that can attract industrial partners for future endeavors aimed at clinical applications. Through innovative approaches, we aspire to unveil and harness the untapped antimicrobial potential of lactobacilli, providing a ray of hope in our ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Space agencies are developing regenerative life support systems that provide air, water, and staple foods through hydroponic cultivation of a limited number of plants using crew waste as fertilizer, but these, mostly vegan, diets lack a number of essential nutrients found in a balanced diet. The aim of this project is to develop sustainable microbial-based food supplements for space travelers on long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars. We will research and select suitable microbial-based food supplements, providing essential nutrients and vitamins to maintain human health and wellbeing, and still be active under stressful space conditions, including chronic exposure to reduced gravity and cosmic radiation. The growth and nutritional content of the microbial products and their safety and efficacy for human consumption in space will be evaluated, also by using reduced gravity simulators and space radiation analogs. In addition, it will be explored how on-site substrates (e.g. CO2 gas, regolith, etc.) could be used. The final outcome of the project will be a set of microbial strains or products that can be used as a reliable supplement to complete a space diet, improving the viability of human colonies on celestial bodies, and a first step towards a concept on how such a DIY production payload could look like.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Spacova Irina
• Fellow: Ellena Gabriele

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Our economy is undergoing a complete transition from the current fossil-based to a sustainable biobased economy as a solution to the large societal and economic challenges. This transition creates a strong need for new technologies to convert renewable resources into a broad range of bioproducts, biomaterials and bioenergy. Industrial biotechnology, driven by metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, has been identified as a key enabling technology in the building process of libraries of potential microbial cell factories (MCFs) for producing such bioproducts. However, the transformation of wild type microorganisms into efficient, productive and robust MCFs remains an ennobled trial and error process. To this end, evolutionary biotechnology has attracted attention in recent years: adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is combined with high throughput screening methods, to generate and screen a massively diverse set of phenotypes and variants. In this project, we want to accelerate the industrial timeframe of traditional ALE approaches and apply an innovative and accelerated ALE to the non-model organism Lactobacillus casei for defined production of chitinpentaose. These molecules have a vast repertoire of application possibilities in sectors such as pharma, food, feed and cosmetics. Industry would greatly benefit from a probiotic chitooligosaccharides production system, starting from renewable resources, taking into account downstream processing and regulation costs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Female specific health conditions are underrepresented in research. The taboo felt by women to talk about intimate wellbeing is fed by this gender gap in scientific knowledge. This project aims to meet these needs by studying one of the most prevalent female-specific infections, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and paving the way towards its efficient diagnosis and treatment. About 70% of women worldwide suffer from vaginal candidiasis at least once in their life. An episode of this fungal infection is accompanied by a burning sensation, pain, and a reduced mental wellbeing. Some women (about 5%) encounter such infectionsat least four times a year, referring to recurrent(R) VVC. The design of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for (R)VVC is hindered by a knowledge gap surrounding vaginal health. To meet the absolute need for more information, this project will characterize the role of the microbiome, metabolome, immune system, and pathogen characteristics in (R)VVC. To this end, a large sampling platform of women with/without VVC will be established in this project. We will identify the most important and clinically relevant micro-organisms, metabolites, and immune factors in VVC pathogenesis. VVC models will be developed and optimized, which will be used to validate the causality of the correlations identified in the cohort. Identified correlations will be proposed as biomarkers, and microbes, metabolites, and combinations, which effectively lower pathogenicity of Candida species, will be further investigated for therapeutic potential. State-of-the-art tools and know how in the consortium will allow us to unravel the involved molecular pathways and elucidate how these can be exploited to optimize therapeutic efficacy. Finally, the knowledge gathered in this project will be used to improve literacy of women on VVC using platforms established by the consortium as well as novel tools to be developed in this project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are genetic elements that can move around within genomes or between cells. It is known that MGEs play a crucial role in prokaryotic ecology and evolution. However, due to limitations of current MGE detection tools in prokaryotic genomes, the full size and diversity of the prokaryotic mobilome is unknown, as well as the extent to which MGEs interact. In addition, current knowledge on the host range of various types of MGEs is limited. This project aims to explore the full mobilome of the important orders Lactobacillales and Enterobacterales, two taxa that are densely sampled in terms of the number of strains with sequenced genomes in public databases. First, a novel tool will be developed that can predict the full mobilome of a set of genomes in a database-independent manner, based on comparative genomics. Second, this tool, as well as existing MGE prediction tools, will be applied to both taxa. The predicted MGEs will be clustered, and presence/absence correlations between the resulting clusters will be determined to assess interactions between the elements. Third, the co-evolutionary history of MGE clusters and their host genomes will be explored and ancestral MGE transfer events inferred. Finally, the host clades of the MGEs will be predicted and validated through CRISPR spacer matching. Together, these analyses will yield new insights into the "dark matter" of the prokaryotic mobilome.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we will study the vaginal microbiome and the microbiome of endometrium biopts via amplicon sequencing 16S via standard pipelines of the host lab for wetlab and in silico analyses. The partner is the main coordinator if this project. We provide a service.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Women's health is receiving increased attention, but science is still not filling society's needs when it comes to vaginal health. For instance, in the last 40 years, no major breakthroughs have been made to manage bladder and vaginal infections. One way in setting a societally relevant research agenda is actively involving citizens in scientific dialogues. We have founded the Isala project as a citizen-science project to significantly advance research, diagnostics and therapeutics for the vaginal microbiome. In the first pioneering phase of the project, more than 5500 women have provided intimate samples and data; proposed research objectives and survey questions; and helped disseminate and interpret results. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the Belgian citizens participating and cocreating the research questions, we have built the largest citizen-science project in the world on the vaginal microbiome. And we are still expanding! Now, we want to expand this cohort in Belgium and across the world, to jointly taboos on women's health, increase scientific literacy and provide new insights in associations of lifestyle with the vaginal microbiome and work on and tangible solutions such as microbiome-modulating strategies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we will explore the process of fruit fermentation via lactic acid bacteria and yeast to have a safe, tasty product with an enhanced shelf-life of use in bakeries. This project is confidential and no details can be disclosed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to gain a better overall understanding of the relationship between the respiratory microbiota (upper and lower) and the intestine in pigs, which will provide a deeper insight into both composition and functionality of the microbes present. These insights will reveal genetic characteristics of pathogenic bacteria (such as virulence factors). results, but the presence of useful bacteria will also be visualized, which can be used for the optimization of existing workflows and the development of potential probiotics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Fermented foods are defined as foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversion of food components. Despite being widely consumed, only a few vegetable fermentations (e.g. kimchi) have been extensively studied, but others remain largely understudied. These vegetable fermentations are mostly spontaneous and could benefit from a dedicated starter culture to improve safety, flavor, texture, and health potential, such as production of vitamins. This project will therefore focus on collecting a wide range of fermented vegetable samples through citizen science projects both in Belgium and USA. Species level community dynamics will be explored to understand the ecology of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in these man-made environments. LAB will be isolated as potential starter cultures. Traditionally, starter culture selection relies mostly on labor intensive trial and error screening but in our project, we propose the use of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) for rapid screening of metabolic potential. Starter cultures will be fully characterized both in silico using GEMs and in vitro phenotypic characterization. Based on these results, starter cultures will be metabolically engineered for the increased expression of target metabolites to improve texture, flavor and health potential. This project will result in 5 optimized functional starter cultures together with a metabolic engineering pipeline for future starter cultures.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Van Beeck Wannes

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The phytopathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea, is the most common reason for fruit rejection in small fruit crops such as the strawberry plant. To get rid of this fungus, chemical fungicides are still the most popular worldwide. Due to increased resistance, growing environmental awareness, continued consumer demand for fewer pesticide residues and more stringent policies in many countries, more and more research is being devoted to sustainable alternatives fitting within the framework of integrated pest management. Within this project, biocontrol using lactic acid bacteria is studied as an alternative. Lactic acid bacteria are well known for their protective properties within food applications, but their role on the plant and their potential as a biocontrol organism on the phyllosphere have only been investigated to a limited extent. To avoid inconsistent field performance, a common problem in biocontrol, candidates will be screened for their potential to survive and grow on the phyllosphere. We will focus on the entomovectoring system as the approach to applying these potential biocontrol agents. In this system, a vector, Bombus terrestris, will disseminate an optimized formulation of lactic acid bacteria directly to the strawberry flowers. In this way, pollination and crop protection are done at the same time and efficient delivery towards the target location is guaranteed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Fellow: Temmermans Jari

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Primary crop production is facing serious challenges with respect to climate change, sustainability, food security and socio-economic profitability. With an average yield loss of 23%, plant diseases and pests are an important threat to global food security. Chemical plant protection products (PPPs) are widely used to control diseases and pests. Due to their environmental impact and the resistance development of pathogens and pests against several PPPs, their application becomes more and more restricted. The European Farm to Fork strategy envisions to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical PPPs with 50% by 2030. Biocontrol applications could be valuable alternatives to overcome the disadvantages of these chemical PPPs. Currently, not many bacterial-based PPP strategies exist and the current bacterial strategies are largely focusing on spore-forming bacilli. Here we propose to explore the potential of lactic acid bacteria. If they show activity in the lab against major pathogens, we will explore their most suitable formulation and activity in more relevant conditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The microbiota of the upper respiratory tract (URT) is emerging as a gatekeeper to respiratory health, but it is currently underexplored at the functional level compared to other body sites. URT diseases such as otitis media (OM) form leading causes for antibiotic prescription, while the functional role of bacteria in the disease pathology is still not clear. Consequently, new insights into the functional biology and microbial ecology of OM as a microbial disease are needed to design novel therapeutic strategies. Microbiome sequencing of the URT revealed Streptococcus salivarius as one of the primary colonizers of the oral cavity shortly after birth. It is also significantly more abundant in the nasopharynx of healthy children compared to children with chronic OM. Endogenous beneficial bacteria can indeed play a pivotal role in URT health through inhibition of respiratory pathogens and immunomodulation. As a key beneficial commensal, specific strains of S. salivarius could have high potential as URT probiotics. These strains can produce secreted secondary metabolites with bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity, but their role in probiotic effects is currently underexplored. This project will focus on exploring the metabolic properties and functional potential of S. salivarius isolates, which will be evaluated through dedicated in vitro culturing systems, phenotypic screening assays and comparative genomics, combined with an innovative proof-of-concept study in humans.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Boudewyns An
• Co-promoter: Spacova Irina
• Co-promoter: Vanderveken Olivier
• Fellow: Van Malderen Joke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this PhD project is to determine the radioprotective mode of action of biotic food supplements including LGG and Limnospira sp.. First (WP1), we will implement the newly GuMI platform using human gut derived organoids and CRC tumoroids, in a radiotherapy relevant setup which has never been done before, then (WP2) to investigate barrier protective and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action of LGG and Limnospira sp. either individually and in a symbiotic combination, and in parallel (WP3) to continue the search for new radioprotective agents of natural origin taking advantage of the higher screening throughput and human physiological applicability provided by the GuMI platform compared to mouse studies. This could also include the use of FMT, as a more holistic gut microbiome-based therapy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

ODORETION researches and develops technology paths to remediate and prevent malodors in bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets. A research platform with modular methodologies will form a solid basis for identifying the most effective biological and chemical technologies. On top of that, ODORETION aims to be more sustainable than the typically used toxic and less environmentally friendly strategies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, together with partners at KU Leuven, we want to investigate the vaginal microbiome in women with iatrogenic menopause caused by breast cancer treatment and its association with vaginal health and sexuality (www.volupta.be).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Speaking openly about vaginal health is taboo in Peru, and public attention to intimate female care has been neglected for decades. For instance, during the present pandemic, several primary health care centers shut down gynaecological consultations, affecting women suffering from vaginal infections. With the current Laura 2.0 project, we aim to create a national (in Peru) and international research network investigating on vaginal health by actively engaging several key stakeholders from society and academia. Higher education institutions (HEIs) will play a key role in achieving Laura 2.0 aim. Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP) and Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa (UNSA) are the prominent universities in the Peruvian Amazon and the Highlands regions, respectively. Both HEIs are strengthening their key roles in developing their regions by consolidating their research capacity. The current project will strengthen the national (UNAP-UNSA-UPCH) and international (local partners and UAntwerp) collaboration by actively developing research capacities in a multidisciplinary approach. More importantly involving (for the first time in Peru), citizens (women) in science, via a citizen science project inspired by the Belgian Isala project (https://isala.be/en).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Brusselaers Nele
• Co-promoter: Condori Sandra
• Co-promoter: Verhoeven Veronique

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lactobacilli are among the best documented beneficial bacteria. Humans are unique animals having a reproductive tract dominated by lactobacilli. In the female reproductive tract, Lactobacillus taxa normally dominate this habitat under healthy conditions, with numbers up to 90-100%. However, there exists a major knowledge gap on why this is the case. The biodiversity, dynamics and evolutionary history of vaginal lactobacilli are largely underexplored. In this project, we aim to follow an innovative sequencing and Citizen Science approach to genetically and functionally characterize vaginal lactobacilli (isala.be). This will include shallow shotgun, whole genome and innovative culturomics and characterization strategies. Specific attention will be given to their adaptation to the vagina and antimicrobial properties.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The urogenital microbiome is a crucial microbiome for human health and reproduction. Lifestyle and hygiene practices are suggested to have a strong influence on the urogenital microbiome. For instance, humans are the only animals that wear clothes, and certain underwear fabrics have been correlated with higher risk of urogenital disease. However, the causal relationship between urogenital health and underwear fabrics is underexplored, especially regarding how underwear could influence the urogenital microbiome. In this project, we first aim to correlate the use of specific underwear fabrics with vaginal health and microbiome, exploring the dataset generated by the host lab from more than 3300 Isala study participants. In parallel, a microbiological in vitro platform will be designed for the evaluation of microbiome-friendly characteristics of (underwear) fabrics through the use of defined microbial communities. Subsequently, a key part of the project will consist of a large-scale study that will explore in vivo interactions between specific underwear fabrics, the vaginal, vulvar and skin microbiome and urogenital health. The ultimate application aim is to better understand how underwear fabrics can affect female health, and implement microbiome-friendly underwear through future collaborations between the academic, health and textile sectors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Spacova Irina
• Co-promoter: Verhoeven Veronique
• Fellow: Vander Donck Leonore

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Vitamin producing microorganisms are emerging as a natural, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical vitamin production. To date, they have mainly been explored in the gut and fermented food, however, recently, the host group isolated several vaginal lactobacilli capable of vitamin B2 (over)production. Lactobacilli have a long history of safe use and are highly suitable for application as probiotics or for biofortification of foods, yet they are generally still applied as 'black boxes', without full understanding of the genes and molecules that drive their beneficial action. In this project, we will perform in silico and in vitro functional screening of the host group's large biobank of more than 1000 human bacterial isolates with the innovative goal to identify and characterize vitamin producing lactobacilli from untapped non-gut body niches (vagina, upper respiratory tract), and fermented foods. Next, to better understand and enhance the vitamin producing capacity of lactobacilli, untargeted and targeted genetic modification strategies will be implemented. A specific unique and challenging focus will be on the functionalization of the novel CRISPR-Cas9 based tool 'Prime editing' in lactobacilli for targeted genetic alterations leading to vitamin overproduction. Overproduction phenotypes, naturally isolated or resulting from genetic engineering approaches, can then be used in food/feed, as supplements and in human therapeutic applications.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Spacova Irina
• Fellow: Dricot Caroline

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Up to 75% of females worldwide encounter at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in their lifetime and 5%-10% of them suffers from recurrent infections (RVVC). Globally, RVVC is estimated to target 150 million women a year by 2030, leading to universal healthcare related and economic losses. Current treatment of (R)VVC is insufficient and resistance occurs frequently. Therefore, the development of additional, effective therapy strategies has become urgent. In this project, we will investigate the treatment of (R)VVC with probiotics based on S. cerevisiae alone and in combination with Lactobacillus spp., in in vitro and in vivo setups. Additionally, we will generate an overview of the vaginal mycobiome of the Belgian population. This overview will allow us to compare the healthy and (R)VVC-linked microbiome, generating insight into the relationships between microorganisms present in this niche. This could highlight microorganisms that could have probiotic capacities against Candida species.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) exposure pose a major environmental risk factor to our health, since it is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016. Although a significant amount of research has been invested in determining health effects related to air pollution on adults, still relatively few research exists on the most vulnerable part of the population, namely children. More specifically, research is missing on acute responses on respiratory functioning (RF) and on neurobehavioral abilities (NBA) of children due to PM and BC pollution. Children's exposure to atmospheric pollution is of special concern because their immune system, lungs and neuropsychological abilities are not fully developed yet when exposure begins, raising the possibility of more severe health outcomes than observed in adults. This project aims at determining the acute impacts of (dynamic) air pollution exposure on healthy children's RF and NBA. To do so, this project will conduct a monitoring campaign at the school and home environment of children of age 9-11, to evaluate PM and BC exposure and its short-term effect on RF and NBA. In extend, the project will combine high-resolution air quality monitoring of PM and BC using mobile sensors, with early RF and NBA responses, in order to monitor students on their way to and from school. With changes in behavior and a shift in transport modes, we then aim to observe possible changes in effects on RF and NBA.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Lamote Kevin
• Co-promoter: Verhulst Stijn
• Fellow: Hendrickx Hanne

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The upper respiratory tract (URT) is a key habitat of the human microbiome, but it is currently underexplored compared to other body sites, especially at the functional level. URT diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) form leading causes for antibiotic prescription, while the functional role of bacteria in the disease pathology is still not clear. As such, CRS is a microbial disease needing new insights in functional biology and microbial ecology to design novel therapeutic strategies. Based on microbiome sequencing of the URT, the underexplored lactic acid bacterium Dolosigranulum pigrum is associated with URT health, highlighting its potential as URT probiotic. Nevertheless, fundamental and molecular research is lacking on its beneficial mechanisms of action, and on its ecological and adaptation mechanisms in the human nasal cavity. This project will therefore focus on exploring the biology and metabolic properties of D. pigrum strains isolated from healthy URT samples, using comparative genomics, phenotypic screening assays and fluorescent microscopy techniques. In addition, the barrier-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties of D. pigrum isolates will be evaluated in complex in vitro cell culture systems. In parallel, molecular biology tools will be used for further molecular characterization of the isolated strains' mechanisms of action. Finally, the most promising D. pigrum strains will be evaluated in murine models relevant for CRS.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Vanderveken Olivier
• Fellow: De Boeck Ilke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The nasal epithelium forms the first line of defense against environmental insults. Damage to epithelial structure and function, is involved in the pathology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Bitter (T2R) and sweet (T1R) taste receptors are upper airway sensors that detect and induce a rapid immune response against secreted bacterial ligands. Activation of T2Rs on nasal epithelium results in rapid calcium release that stimulates the secretion of antimicrobial compounds and production of nitric oxide, consequently killing the bacteria and increasing ciliary beating. Activation of T1R antagonizes the host's T2R mediated immune response. Moreover, T1R agonists increase bacterial survival and propagation. In line with this, we have previously demonstrated that patients with CRSwNP have an increased presence of pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial lactic acid bacteria, which are able to modulate barrier homeostasis. Unfortunately, limited studies focus on the relationship between the nasal microbiome and taste receptor function in CRSwNP patients. As such, in this project we will investigate the effect of bacterial ligands, produced by the nasal microbiome, on taste receptor function in CRSwNP.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Synthetic biology is a new discipline that allows designing and creating novel, completely man-made biological systems such as metabolic pathways. The innovative technology is a game-changer for the sustainable production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, enzymes, aroma compounds and bioplastics. The synthetic systems are often implemented in E. coli or yeast cells because the biotechnological toolbox for these organisms is readily available. However, these microbes are often not optimally suited for industrial or medical applications. This project therefore aims to develop a novel toolbox that allows the ethical exploitation of superior non-standard microbes. The project will not only yield an important breakthrough for the efficiency and possibilities of synthetic biology, but also constitutes a research consortium of a team of young and ambitious scientists that will serve as a strategic hub for the further development of synthetic biology in Flanders, thereby helping to maintain its leading position in biotech.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Hens Kristien

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that occurs in about 20% of children and 3% of adults in Western countries. AD is characterized by acute flare-ups of itchy eczematous lesions and dry skin. The etiology of AD is complex, the appearance and course of the disease are influenced by both genetic and immunological mechanisms and environmental factors, such as pathogenic microorganisms. In this project,, we aim to characterize the microbiome of children with AD and investigate the impact of a topical therapeutic strategy with well selected lactobacilli.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Hagendorens Margo
• Fellow: Delanghe Lize

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Often a microbiome modification with a "beneficial" microbe does not yield the desired results. This illustrates the need of better tools to study the ecology and evolution of microbiomes, and the effects of artificial modifications to these microbiomes. This project proposes the innovative approach of combining synthetic microbial communities with shallow shotgun metagenomics to gain unprecedented understanding in microbial communities in general. The proposed approach will be developed for a phyllosphere model and used for experimental microbial evolution of whole communities. Successive passaging experiments will be set up where synthetic phyllosphere communities will be moved from one generation of host plant to the next. The results of these experiments will lead to new insights in the ecology and evolution of phyllosphere communities. This project aims at setting up this approach to be more widely useable for testing existing and developing new evolutionary theories. Finally, the impact of the addition of a "beneficial" microbial strain to the phyllosphere model will be studied at the level of the microbiome ecology and evolution, allowing novel insight in long-term effects of artificial modifications of our microbial environment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Smets Wenke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to acquire new biological and genetic insights on the application of microorganisms as bioremediation of PAHs in air pollution. Such new insights will lead to a scientific underpinning of a new air purification application based on the spread of benign bacteria in the environment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Dekeukeleire Max

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Beneficial microbes have a plethora of biomedical, environmental and engineering applications. Currently, many fundamental and more applied R&D projects are slowed down by the need for advanced equipment for the upscaling and processing of the microbial cultures. Here, a research consortium of bio-engineers, civil engineers, biologists and pharmaceutical engineers was built to jointly advance the applications and research of beneficial microbes at UAntwerpen. This consortium aims to manage joint equipment and expertise. The core of the equipment is a 100 l pilot bioreactor suited for bacteria, yeasts and algae. It is fully computer controlled and monitored, and equipped with a steam-in-place (SIP) unit. The system is equipped with several sensors and valves allowing automated control of important parameters (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, …). The whole system is GMP- compatible and in pharmaceutical- grade steel. A 10 l bioreactor is foreseen for optimizing culturing conditions. The reactors are complemented with an incubator-shaker for the growth of inocula and postprocessing equipment to professionally process the biomass. The post-processing equipment mainly consists of a large scale, low- to- high speed cooled centrifuge and a pilot spray dryer for final processing for extended shelf life of the biomass and work up of the biomass towards its final application.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Meysman Filip
• Co-promoter: Vlaeminck Siegfried

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, a consortium from different Flemish universities jointly owns equipment for high-troughput handling of microbial growth experiments (HITMAN). Promotor is Kevin Verstrepen (KU Leuven). He coordinates the use of this equipment at their campus and faciloties in Leuven.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A steady increase in chronic inflammatory diseases can be observed in regions with a high degree of industrialization and urbanization since World War II. The pro-inflammatory capacity of ambient air particulate matter and other air pollutants seems an important factor in the pathogenesis of these diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This project aims to generate more insights in the (micro)biology of air pollution by application of techniques from the fields of molecular microbiology and immunology to investigate the presence of micro-organisms and their endotoxins in particulate matter (PM) and to characterize the pro-inflammatory capacity of PM in detail.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Development of probiotic lactic acid bacteria for HIV-positive Cameroonian pregnant women Kenfack Zanguim Josiane, Sandra Condori, Sebastien Kenmoe, Esemu Livo, Sarah Ahannach, Sarah Lebeer Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. . Probiotic lactic acid bacteria are mainly studied for the gut, but now also increasingly for vaginal health. In fact, lactobacilli-based probiotics have a stronger rationale than the gut, because a healthy vaginal microbiome is generally dominated by lactobacilli. However, this does not seem to be the case for all geographical regions and ethnic groups. African women seem to have a vaginal microbiome that is less dominated by lactobacillibut contains more anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella, giving them a high prevalence of BV of 33% . Therefore, lactobacilli-based probiotics seem to have great potential for African women, especially for HIV-positive pregnant women, because they are more at risk to have a disbalanced vaginal and gut microbiome. In this study, we explore the dietary habits and vaginal microbiome in terms of consumption of yogurt, dairy and probiotic products in HIV-positive pregnant women from Cameroon in their second trimester of pregnancy. 23 HIV-positive pregnant women and 32 HIV-negative pregnant women participated and their microbiome will analyzed at UAntwerpen.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are genetic elements that can move within or between DNA molecules or cells. These elements, which include conjugative plasmids and prophages, are one of the main drivers of the genome plasticity that we observe in bacteria and archaea. In addition, they are important for the medical world (e.g. as spreaders of antimicrobial resistance) and biotechnology industry (as a source of genetic engineering tools). Therefore, it is highly useful to be able to computationally detect the presence of MGEs in prokaroytic genomes, as well as predict to which strains an MGE can potentially transfer (its host range). However, current techniques for the former are limited because they are dependent on databases of experimentally characterized MGEs, while current host range prediction strategies are very coarse-grained. In this project, a computational tool will be developed that is capable of predicting MGEs in prokaroytic genomes in a databaseindependent way. The tool will achieve this by taking as input a multigenome, multi-species dataset instead of a single genome, and adopting a comparative genomics approach. In addition, a novel strategy for high-resolution host range prediction will be developed, based on comparative phylogenomics and host strain gene content. Both novel techniques, as well as existing tools, will be used to predict and characterize the comprehensive "mobilome" of the medically and economically important order Lactobacillales.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The microbiome field has grown tremendously within the last decades. Our research team is at the forefront of this field, with focus on the microbiome outside the human gut (such as skin, upper respiratory tract, vagina) and screening of potential probiotic candidates. This expertise is (inter)nationally recognized, resulting in an increasing request for collaborations from academics, industry, and other organizations. To be able to cope with this increasing demand, the team wants to professionalize their microbiome sequencing and discovery platform and hire and train staff to launch commercial services in a self-sustaining way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Amidst the global pandemic, there is an acute urgency to understand which factors contribute to respiratory disease severity. Most research focuses on viral interactions with the host immune system. However, recent data shows that microbial communities inhabiting the airways (the airway microbiota) can influence viral infection through direct interactions with invading viral particles. This project aims to characterize the capacity of airway microbiota to bind the model respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that puts more than 3 million children in the hospital every year. Specific methodology for targeted bacterial isolation from human nasopharyngeal samples will be implemented. Fluorescent labeling techniques will be used to visualize and quantify RSV binding to bacteria. Finally, the impact of this RSV binding on viral infectivity in host cells will be assessed using tripartite bacteria-virus-host cell assays. Implementation of the methodology developed in this project will provide insights into the ability of the resident airway microbiota to directly interact with invading viruses. This will help understand microbial interactions influencing respiratory disease severity, and can later be broadly applied to a wide range of bacteria and viruses from other body niches.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Spacova Irina

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Violence against women is an urgent global problem, as over one third of women worldwide has been victim of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. And remarkably, only 25% of reported rape cases in Europe ultimately lead to a conviction, often due to the difficulty of providing evidence. Recent advances in microbial profiling have uncovered that each individual is home to complex microbial communities. These communities inhabit all surfaces of the human body (for example, orogastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, skin) and collectively represent the human microbiota, with their microbial DNA signatures forming the microbiome. Recent research suggests that the microbiome could greatly aid forensic casework as a promising tool to strengthen traditional forensic investigative methods and fill related knowledge gaps. Large-scale microbiome studies indicate that microbial fingerprinting can assist forensics in areas such as trace evidence, source tracking, geolocation, and circumstances of death. The goal of this project to investigate the potential of the female microbiome as an additional forensic tool in criminal investigations, with a focus on sexual assault cases. We aim to do this in three ways. First, we want to establish a large, curated dataset with 16S rRNA and (shallow) shotgun sequences of vaginal, skin and saliva samples. Second, we want to re-create forensically relevant samples (i.e., mock crime scenes) such as mixtures, long-term stored traces, sexual intercourse samples, etc. in a controlled environment. These samples will carry a crucial added-value to the curated dataset that will serve as a training set. At last, we aim to validate our hypotheses and the developed classification model in collaboration with the Institute of Forensic Medicine at University of Zurich. This tool will be able: i) to predict traces of body sites/fluids taken from other body sites/fluids or, in other words, to discriminate "pure" from mixture samples; ii) to predict from a vaginal sample whether intercourse has recently taken place. For the validation of this model, we aim to sequence the microbiome of at least 100 vaginal, skin and saliva samples from real-life sexual violence crimes that occurred in the district of Antwerp. This is not only highly favorable but also necessary to have a robust dataset to test out hypotheses and which can function as a solid test set. Being able to sequence 100 sexual assault samples would give as a strong chance to validate our hypotheses and classification model.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ahannach Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The upper respiratory tract (URT) is a key habitat of the human microbiome, but it's currently underexplored at the functional level compared to other body sites. URT diseases, e.g. otitis media (OM), form leading causes for antibiotic prescription, while the functional role of bacteria in the disease pathology is still not clear. As such, OM is a microbial disease needing new insights into the functional biology and microbial ecology to design novel therapeutic strategies. Based on microbiome sequencing of the URT, Streptococcus salivarius was found as one of the primary colonizers of the oral cavity shortly after birth. It was found to be significantly more abundant in the nasopharynx of healthy children than in the nasopharynx of children with chronic OM. It is recognized that endogenous beneficial bacteria can play a pivotal role in URT health through inhibition of respiratory pathogens and immunomodulation. As a key beneficial commensal, specific strains of S. salivarius could have high potential as URT probiotic. Some strains can produce secreted secondary metabolites with bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity, but their role in probiotic effects is currently underexplored. This project will focus on exploring the metabolic properties and functional potential of S. salivarius isolates, which will be evaluated through dedicated in vitro culturing systems, phenotypic screening assays and comparative genomics, combined with an innovative proof of concept study in humans.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Van Malderen Joke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Viruses infecting the respiratory tract encounter a diverse resident airway microbial community (the microbiota). While the majority of research on the host-virus-microbiota nexus focuses on virus and microbiota interplay with host immunity, the impact of airway microbiota on viruses through direct interactions is poorly understood. The goal of this project is to come to a new understanding of how direct microbiota-virus interactions in the airways influence viral pathogenesis using respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a model. Innovative targeted isolation of RSV-binding bacterial strains from the airways of infants with RSV disease will be performed, in parallel with an in-depth functional and species-level taxonomic airway microbiome analysis. Focusing on beneficial bacteria, the effects of direct bacterial interactions with RSV will be analyzed using a suite of novel and state-of-the-art in vitro assays tailored to investigating the host-microbiota-virus nexus. Localization and properties of key anti-RSV bacterial compounds will be investigated. The effects observed at microbiome level and in vitro will be aligned with in vivo read-outs in an infant mouse model of RSV infection, to conclude whether they translate into clinically relevant outcomes. Understanding the role of direct interactions between airway microbiota and viruses will add a potentially groundbreaking new dimension to the interplay within the host-virus-microbiota nexus in the respiratory niche.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Fellow: Spacova Irina

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Dit is een confidentieel bedrijfsproject over hoe nuttige micro-organismen en bacteriën ingezet kunnen worden in ventilatiekanalen. Hiervoor moet ook de chemische samenstelling van stof beter gekend zijn.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The very successful launch of our project Isala gave a clear sign that women in Flanders thought it was high time for qualitative research on vaginal health. Despite dazzling numbers of women suffering every year from vaginal infections, a clear link to adverse pregnancy outcomes and vulnerability for sexual transmitted infections (STI's), no major advancements have been made in therapies for vaginal infections over the last 40 years. An attractive strategy for novel therapies is to harness the natural protective properties of lactobacilli that (in health) dominate the vaginal microbiota, and develop vaginal lactobacilli into probiotics. However, our present knowledge on how the vaginal community is built up or disrupted by abiotic and biotic stressors, is currently largely insufficient, and so the fundamental knowledge to be able to select the most optimal probiotic candidates is currently lacking. To provide this knowledge, we need suitable models. Animal models are not well suited because of their totally different microbiota as compared to the human vaginal microbiota. Alternatively, 2D-cell models lack the lack the specific architecture and polarization that is characteristic to tissues in vivo, that shape the host response to and environment for microbes. 3D-models mimic these conditions much more closely. A high-quality model specific for the study of polymicrobial interactions and host-microbe interactions is direly needed to increase our understanding of vaginal dysbiosis and explore alternative treatments. The development of such a model is subsequently the goal of this project. In work package 1 an innovative and dynamic 3D-model of the vaginal epithelium is developed with specific attention to features of the vaginal epithelial tissue i.e. a multi-layered stratified epithelium with microvilli, microfolds and microridges, mucus production and TLR expression. The model will be based on the vaginal cell line VK-2/E6E7, cultured in rotating wall vessels. The model is subsequently validated in work package 2 as habitat for relevant microbes including members of the typical microbiota, vaginal pathogens and/or characterized probiotics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Oerlemans Eline

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common upper respiratory tract (URT) disease with a major socioeconomical impact linked to URT microbiota perturbations. Current treatment options often fail so the need for alternative treatment options based on better insights into the URT microbiota is high. This is reflected by the widespread interest in this topic, not only by the scientific and medical world, but also by the patients themselves. During my PhD project and in the final of "De Vlaamse PhD Cup 2020", I have been very committed to actively engage CRS patients in my research and got to know the needs of many patients. Their willingness to test alternative microbiota-based treatment options convinced me of the urgency for generating insights leading to such novel treatments. In this project, I propose to implement novel state-of-the-art techniques that will enable in depth insights into the URT microbiota and its relation with the human host. In order to do this, I propose the optimization of shotgun metagenomic sequencing for low biomass URT samples to allow better taxonomic resolution and functional characterization of the microbial communities. In addition, I will use fluorescent in situ hybridization in combination with immunohistochemistry to gain insights into the human host-bacteria behavior, as well as bacterial interspecies interactions. These insights can contribute to overcome some of the limitations in the URT microbiome field. One important research gap is for instance that it remains very difficult to determine what defines a balanced microbiota and we still do not know whether a microbial imbalance is a cause or a consequence in CRS and associated inflammation. This is mainly because most 16S amplicon sequencing techniques remain descriptive. They don't allow functional characterization and identification up to microbial species or strain level, while pathogenicity and probiotic potential are expressed at strain level. Hence, in this project, the goal is to obtain new insights in the possible driving force of the microbiome in CRS. The implementation of these techniques can help to develop better treatment strategies based on beneficial microbiota members and can help to determine which patients might benefit the most from such therapy. In addition, the shotgun sequencing and microscopy pipelines developed in this project are an important stepping stone for my upcoming FWO junior postdoc proposal, and can also be implemented in the Centre of Excellence Microbial Systems Technology of the University of Antwerp.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Boeck Ilke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The human microbiota is composed of a vast number of microorganisms inhabiting different body sites, especially the skin, gut, vagina. For women, the bacteria inhabiting the vaginal tract, specifically Lactobacillus spp. (mainly by L. crispatus, L. iners, L. jensenii, L. gasseri) play a key role in sexual and reproductive health. For instance, a disruption of the vaginal microbiota is associated with a variety of pathogenic disorders, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), highly prevalent in Peru (estimated to range between 10-37%). Affected women are at increased risk of acquiring more serious infectious agents such as HIV, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, Neisseria. Other complications of BV include preterm premature rupture of membranes and neonatal sepsis. Previously, a healthy vaginal microbiota composition has been defined when high numbers of lactic acid producing lactobacilli were present based on microscopy or culture-based approaches, including pH measurements. Nowadays with the development of culture-independent approaches such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), we know that the vaginal microbiota is not only composed of Lactobacillus species but also of a diverse group of strictly anaerobic bacteria. However, while several of these anaerobic bacteria appear to be associated to disorders such as BV, some might also be linked to health. This is at present not well understood. Based on studies on the gut microbiota, several factors have been described that can influence this microbiota composition, including dietary habits, health status, demographics, environmental factors, and ethnicity. For the vaginal microbiota, this area of research is still largely underexplored. Several studies indicate that ethnicity might also play a key role in shaping the vaginal microbiota. For example, Ravel et al. have observed that African American and Hispanic women have predominantly anaerobic bacteria compared to women from European ancestry (Lactobacillus-dominant). However, most vaginal microbiota studies have been focused on the "Western white woman" so far. Hence, the impact of ethnicity on the vaginal microbiota remains a critical research gap in this field. To overcome various knowledge gaps on the vaginal microbiota, our research group has recently set up a citizen science project named Isala to explore the female microbiota's stability and temporal dynamics in relation to different lifestyle factors and environmental conditions. We also explore the importance of various individual and social risk factors that can influence the "healthy" vaginal microbiota. While we were aiming to recruit 200 volunteers in Flanders at the start of the project in March 2020, we managed to enroll at least 5528 women due to immense success and large amounts of subscriptions (we even had to stop registrations). This massive response from women highlights the need that it is important to understand the vaginal microbiota better, how this microbiota is influenced, and its impact on health. In this present project proposal, we aim to implement the Isala project in Peru to radically increase our insights on the diversity of a "healthy" vaginal microbiota composition and the influence of ethnicity and other possible factors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Condori Sandra

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) exposure is a major environmental risk factor to our health since it is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016. Although a significant amount of research has been invested in determining health effects related to air pollution on adults, still relatively few research exists on the most vulnerable part of the population, namely children. More specifically, research is missing on acute responses on respiratory functioning (RF) and on neurobehavioral abilities (NBA) of children due to PM and BC pollution. Children's exposure to atmospheric pollution is of special concern because their immune system, lungs and neuropsychological abilities are not fully developed yet when exposure begins, raising the possibility of more severe health outcomes than observed in adults. This project aims at determining the acute impacts of (dynamic) air pollution exposure on children's RF and NBA. To do so, this project will conduct a monitoring campaign at the school and home environment of children of age 9-11, to evaluate the exposure to PM and BC and its short-term effect on RF and NBA. In extent, the project will combine high-resolution air quality monitoring of PM and BC using mobile sensors, with early RFand NBA responses, in order to monitor students on their way to and from school. With changes in behavior and a shift in transport modes, we then aim to observe possible changes in effects on RF and NBA.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Lamote Kevin
• Co-promoter: Verhulst Stijn
• Fellow: Hendrickx Hanne

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The demand and need for products influencing the microbiome of the armpit skin (odour problems) and the mouth (periodontitis, caries, halitosis and oral thrush) is huge.This project wants to seize this opportunity to develop new products for these conditions using probiotherapy. By using beneficial probiotic bacteria, and hereby restoring a possible (microbial) imbalance towards a more balanced and healthy state, we will positively impact the microbiome. However, the development of specific solutions for these problems raises specific scientific challenges on the microbiological, formulation (technological & biopharmaceutical) and health/pathology level. These will be addressed in this project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In recent years, the number and diversity of citizen science (CS) projects has increased tremendously. With an expansion in studies, the practice of citizen science calls for more support and academic research into the topic. Still many questions exist about the added value of CS to knowledge gathering in the academic world, awareness raising of citizens and about the assumed trade-off between the involvement level of citizens and the quality of the data they collect. To answer these questions, frameworks to measure impact and evaluate campaigns from different viewpoints have started to arise. The development of evaluation tools is asked for by both policy makers, to improve CS funding schemes, and by scientists, to enhance the project management of CS. But, at this point, no commonly accepted evaluation indicators are established that capture the three dimensions of participatory science: scientific impact, learning and empowerment of participants and impact for wider society, leaving a tremendous potential still to uncover.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lactobacillus bacteria have a strong, but underexplored potential as sustainable bio-based solutions for many food and health-related problems. Since Nobel-laureate Eli Metchnikoff hypothesized that lactic acid bacteria can promote human health in the gut, the research on lactobacilli and probiotics has mainly focused on the human gut and fermented dairy foods. However, a major knowledge gap exists on the beneficial potential of Lactobacillus species in other human body sites (vagina, skin, upper respiratory tract), animals (e.g. chickens, honey bees), plants, crops, and even on abiotic surfaces. In addition, lactobacilli play a key role in many plant- and vegetable-based fermentations, where they promote the shelf life and nutritional value of food and feed. Yet, why and how Lactobacillus species can be beneficial in such a wide variety of niches is currently underexplored. Therefore, the core aim of this project is a systematic and integrated analysis of the evolutionary history, ecology, and beneficial functions of Lactobacillus species. I propose an unconventional approach situated at the intersections of molecular microbiology (focusing on a single microbe), molecular ecology (focusing on microbial communities) and comparative genomics with an evolutionary perspective on niche adaptation of lactobacilli. By looking deeper into Lactobacillus biology, a paradigm shift can be made moving from a classical ad hoc base to a unique knowledge-based framework for strain selection and analysis of fitness and performance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Isala is a citizen science project at the University of Antwerp. Isala's ambitions are high. And important! For the first time in Belgium, and hopefully in other countries like Peru as well (Laura project), we want to get a better understanding of the female microbiome using state-of-the-art DNA technology. Say what?! Well, your vagina is home to millions of bacteria that play a vital role in your health. They're incredibly important when it comes to protecting you from infections, UTIs and STIs, and we think they probably play a major role in fertility and healthy pregnancies too. But… we don't know for sure. Because until recently, scientific research was very much a man's world and there wasn't much interest in the vaginal microbiome. Isala wants to change that. So in March 2020, we launched a call to find 200 women in Belgium willing to take simple swabs from their vaginas, skin and saliva in the privacy of their own bathrooms. We were looking for 200 women and we found more than 5000. Wow!  Now we're going to make history with all of those women. 

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In our rapidly urbanizing world, chronic health conditions associated with urban living are on the rise. One of the main current challenges is unravelling the role of reduced access to and reduced quality and quantity of nature and biodiversity in these living environments. Enhanced immune functioning emerges as one promising candidate for a central pathway between nature and health. Despite mounting evidence that people with a diverse microbiome or who interact with green spaces enjoy better health, studies have yet to directly examine how biodiverse urban green spaces might modify the human microbiome and reduce chronic disease. Another challenge is to enhance access to nature for all, which is unevenly distributed among social groups with different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. In this project, the environmental microbiome, defined as the microbes in soil, on plants, and associated with air dust, will be targeted, as well as its social distribution.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Background The bacterial genus Lactobacillus has historically been the source of many strains with supposed but also proven health benefits. The selection of strains with potential health benefits has always been performed on a rather ad hoc basis based on knowledge on the isolation source of the strain and on expensive and labor-intensive lab screenings. Now that we are able to sequence whole genomes of many bacterial strains relatively cheaply it has become possible, in theory, to identify genomic signatures of strains with potential health benefits to be used for more informed, and more upscalable, screening. For some well-studied probiotic properties, the gene families encoding them have been identified and can therefore be used for probiotic screening. An example are the pili of the well-known probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that are responsible for adhesion to the human colon epithelium. The gene cluster encoding these pili has been identified and the presence of this cluster can easily be identified in a given bacterial genome. Pili, as well as other potentially probiotic properties, can now already be used as screening criteria for potential probiotic strains. Systematic screening of genomes for these properties has only been performed in a limited way; the most comprehensive study to date included more than 200 species of Lactobacillus, but was limited to only one representative strain per species, while many of these genes are known to be very strain-specific and many more genomes are publicly available. A second way to improve genomic screening for probiotic potential is to systematically identify, on a large scale, genomic signatures associated with Lactobacillus strains engaging in symbiotic relations with Homo sapiens. These genomic signatures can be the presence of certain gene families, such as the gene cluster encoding the pili of LGG, but also gene copy numbers or even the presence of certain pieces of DNA gained from the environment, such as viral genomes or transposons, that betray the habitat of the strain. Goals The goal of this project is to enhance the potential of the genus Lactobacillus as a source of strains with potential health benefits. We aim to do this in two ways. First, we want to characterize already known gene families that encode probiotic properties by assessing their distribution across the more than 2000 Lactobacillus genomes that are publicly available. We will also assess their presence in the more than 100 genomes of strains isolated and sequenced by our own lab. Our second goal is to identify genomic signatures of symbiotic relations with humans as a species. Since we don't know on beforehand which strains are symbiotic for most of the publicly available genomes, we will perform this search in an unsupervised manner. To put it differently: we will look for sets of genomes that are not necessarily closely related, but underwent similar adaptations in their recent evolutionary history. We will look, in other words, for convergent evolution. If we succeed in finding groups of strains that underwent convergent evolution, we can assess whether already known probiotic strains are part of one or more of these groups. This would be a strong indication that other strains within these groups will also show probiotic potential.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lactobacilli are an interesting group of bacteria found in a large variety of ecosystems, from the human gut to milk to plant surfaces and other environments. They are used in food fermentations and as health-promoting bacteria. It is not yet clear how lactobacilli are able to survive and thrive in these different environments. Did Lactobacillus strains adapt, each to a specific environment? Or are some strains "nomads", able to survive in many different environments? We will attempt to solve the adaptation question in two ways. First, we will study gene copynumber variation between Lactobacillus strains. The DNA of a bacterial strain can contain multiple copies of a single gene, and this copy-number can differ between strains. It was recently observed that copy-number variation in gut bacteria is often found in genes linked to environmental adaptation. As a second way to investigate environmental adaptation, we will reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Lactobacilli. Bacterial strains can evolve in multiple ways; two important types of evolutionary events are that they can acquire genes from other bacteria or genes can get lost. We will use the full DNA sequences of at least fifty strains per species to find out which genes were acquired and which ones were lost by which ancestors in the course of evolution. We can then see whether there is a connection between these gene gain and loss events and the environment in which these ancestors lived.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory disease in young children worldwide. Nearly all children are exposed to RSV by the age of 2, approximately 40 % will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as bronchiolitis and up to 10 % of these children require hospitalization. Severe inflammation is a typical hallmark of the hospitalized children. Despite the discovery of the virus in 1956, prevention and treatment options for RSV are limited. In this project, an innovative approach based on the intranasal application of specific probiotic strains is explored to prevent the severe lung inflammation that follows the acute infection. We will investigate whether delivery of intranasal probiotics prior to RSV infection can prevent the development of severe RSV disease by functioning as immunomodulatory agents that can reduce RSV-associated inflammation. Furthermore, we will test if delivery of an RSV vaccine together with intranasal probiotics enhances both safety and efficacy of this vaccine.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Air pollution is a major environmental and social issue, causing a vast array of negative health effects. Approximately 7 million deaths and an economical cost of 3.28 trillion euros worldwide can be attributed to air pollution. In this research a new, promising method will be tested to fight high urban air pollution levels. More specifically, the potential of leaf-dwelling or phyllosphere bacteria (PB) to degrade urban air pollutants (particulate matter and volatile organic compounds) into less toxic forms, also called bioremediation potential. This will be done with both field and laboratory experiments. The project is divided into four workpackages (WP). In WP1, the different PB present on 70 plant species will be determined and their preferences for leaf characteristics will be tested. WP2 will map which PB typically occur under high levels of urban pollutants and how they change through the growing season. In WP3 the specific bioremediation potential of promising PB will be tested and in WP4 all these results will be brought together. Then the first realistic numbers of what the application of the right plant-PB-combination could mean for the ambient urban pollutant levels will be estimated on the basis of computer models. The ultimate aim of this research is to find the optimal plant-PB-combination to optimize the bioremediation potential of vegetation in the city.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Muyshondt Babette

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A specific microbial habitat exists where the atmosphere and plant meet. It is called the phyllosphere and is usually dominated by the leaf surfaces. All plant leaves, worldwide, are estimated to cover a surface area that approximates twice the global land surface. The phyllosphere can therefore be considered as a vast microbial habitat, with great potential importance. Recent advances in microbial DNA sequencing approaches have significantly improved our insights in these microbial ecosystems: a few pioneering studies –including from the applying consortium- have now documented that the phyllosphere harbours diverse bacterial communities shaped by both plant physical characteristics and metabolism, and environmental conditions. In turn, decades of physiological research has yet demonstrated that these epiphytic bacteria can affect the host plant by preventing colonization of certain plant pathogens and encouraging plant growth, among other effects. Air pollution and its adverse health effects are still increasing worldwide. Particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), soot, diesel exhaust particles and heavy metals are among the most problematic air pollutants. Adverse health effects include heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases like asthma, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Various technological solutions to remove air pollutants have yet been developed, of which catalytic filters and motor adaptations have probably made the largest impact on the filtration of polluted exhaust gases. Also for indoor application, various air purification systems exist, but they are mostly chemical, physical or photocatalytic oxidation. There is a clear need for more sustainable, bio- and nature-based solutions to combat air pollution. Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms to degrade or transform environmental contaminants into their less toxic forms. In this project, a novel bioremediation approach is explored, i.e. the potential application of plant-associated bacteria of the phyllosphere to degrade or remove specific air pollutants from the ambient air.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Most of the farmers and industries rely on the microbial inhibition tests as a screening tool for a broad range of antibiotics because it is natural, intuitive, and simple enough to be operated by non-specialists outside laboratories. Unfortunately, it suffers from drawbacks such as long analysis time and sensitivity issues. To improve the on-site screening test, we introduce the pioneering idea to couple cost effective and sensitive amperometric sensors with bacterial inhibition tests. Our method will lower the risks for public health and operational costs for industries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandenheuvel Dieter
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Plant diseases cause major losses in agriculture and are currently being eradicated with conventional or organic pesticides. Agriculture needs to become more productive as well as more sustainable to face the challenges of a growing population, climate change and other environmental problems. Protecting crops from diseases in an environmentally friendly way is a big challenge. The phyllosphere is the surface of the plant exposed to the atmosphere and it is occupied by microorganisms. The microorganims in the phyllosphere are known to interact with the plant they are inhabiting. It has been shown before that a healthy microbial population on the phyllosphere, a.k.a the phyllosphere microbiome, could help prevent or treat plant diseases and promote plant growth. Furthermore, previous research showed that a greater variety of bacteria in the phyllosphere increases plant productivity. This research aims to better understand the phyllosphere microbiome. This understanding will be used to treat and adjust the phyllosphere microbiome and thereby improve crop production and protection. Mixtures of bacteria that could have a positive effect on the plant, "plant probiotics", will be formulated. These plant probiotics will originate from isolated and cultured phyllosphere bacteria as well as from fermented compost extracts. Finally the effect of these plant probiotics on the phyllosphere microbiome and on plants will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Legein Marie

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we aim to use a combination of bio-informatic and experimental approaches to explore important aspects of niche flexibility and functions of Lactobacillus strains, using the Lactobacillus casei/rhamnosus group as case study. Here, niche-adaptation of these bacteria will be explored for rather unexplored niches, namely fermented vegetables (carrots), the human vagina and the human respiratory tract, starting from isolates, which are in- house available through previous projects. Experiments will include niche-swap experiments, experimental evolution and functional analyses by constructed knock-out mutants. Special attention in this PhD project will be directed towards the role of adhesion in niche colonization. In previous research, a new type of fimbriae was found in L. casei and this will be further explored and molecularly characterized in this PhD project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Ahannach Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Measuring air pollution by using strawberry plants The AIRbezen project is a clever word pun on the Flemish of Antwerp dialect word for strawberries (jarrebezen) and, obviously, the word air. By examining the leaves of strawberry plants, AIRbezen maps the air quality of a city or province. Strawberry plants are distributed among families, schools or associations, who give the plant a place on the windowsill. After 2 months the strawberry-hosts cut off a few leaves and bring them in at the distribution points. The researchers at the University of Antwerp then measure the concentrations of particulate matter on the leaves, thus revealing to what the plant was exposed. AIRbezen is a real citizen science project in the sense that citizens actively participate in a research project. There is a strong interaction between participants and the University of Antwerp, whereby citizens collect data, the university interprets said data and the results flow back to the citizens. The project was successfully applied for the first time in 2014 in Antwerp, but soon expanded to schools, East Flanders and projects abroad. AIRbezen came to be thanks to a number of enthusiastic volunteers, Stadslab 2050 and the Department of Bio-Engineering Sciences of the University of Antwerp. If you have more questions about past projects or want to collaborate with us, you can reach us at AIRbezen@uantwerpen.be

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Boeve-de Pauw Jelle
• Co-promoter: Van Petegem Peter

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

EcoCities is an integrated and comparative analysis of different types of green walls and green roofs. Essentially it is investigated: - which is the interaction between different parameters (substrate, plant species etc.) of different types of green walls and green roofs and ecosystem services in an urban environment - an integrated evaluation of the deliverable ecosystem services

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which, when applied inadequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host (FAO/WHO, 2001). These microbes are generally applied in the gastrointestinal tract via fermented food products or capsules. In previous research, we isolated bacterial strains with potential probiotic properties for the upper respiratory tract based on in vitro laboratory tests and genome sequencing. Here, we want to deliver the POC that – at least one of - these strains has also interesting properties in vivo, i.e. that this strain is able to –temporarily- colonize the upper respiratory tract of healthy volunteers after oral and nasal application.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Vanderveken Olivier

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Pelvic irradiation is a common treatment strategy for various cancers such as colon cancer and cervical cancer. High irradiation doses result in many side effects such as diarrhea, inflammation and microbiome dysbiosis. In this project, the effect of Arthrospira on many of these side effects will be explored at a molecular level, in a mouse model developed at SCK. These effects will be compared with the model probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Growth of Arthrospira will also be optimized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Although not visible by the naked eye, the air is teeming with bacteria. Inevitably, these airborne bacteria are frequent visitors of the respiratory system. Endotoxins are highly inflammatory lipid components of Gram-negative bacteria. In an urban environment, they may act by heightening immune responses in the presence of other pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM). However, our knowledge on the involvement of airborne endotoxins in PM-related inflammation is restricted on the methods used for its collection, quantification and analysis. Until now, collection methods have relied on filter-based samplers which are far from ideal for the recovery of endotoxins. For this reason, our study focusses on developing a new, more efficient, non-filter based strategy for the monitoring of endotoxins in an urban environment. Our first experiments could detect much higher ambient endotoxin concentrations than the available data in the literature for urban studies. This re-sparks the debate of the importance of endotoxins in the health effects of PM. Therefore, detailed studies will be done in cell models to investigate the contribution of endotoxins in PM-associated inflammation in relevant concentrations and in comparison with other pollutants. Finally, responses to natural PM exposure will be analysed in vivo at RNA level in nasal brushing samples and compared with the responses observed in the cell models.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Moretti Serena

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lactobacilli are an interesting group of bacteria found in a large variety of ecosystems, from the human gut to milk to plant surfaces and other environments. They are used in food fermentations and as health-promoting bacteria. It is not yet clear how lactobacilli are able to survive and thrive in these different environments. Did Lactobacillus strains adapt, each to a specific environment? Or are some strains "nomads", able to survive in many different environments? We will attempt to solve the adaptation question in two ways. First, we will study gene copynumber variation between Lactobacillus strains. The DNA of a bacterial strain can contain multiple copies of a single gene, and this copy-number can differ between strains. It was recently observed that copy-number variation in gut bacteria is often found in genes linked to environmental adaptation. As a second way to investigate environmental adaptation, we will reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Lactobacilli. Bacterial strains can evolve in multiple ways; two important types of evolutionary events are that they can acquire genes from other bacteria or genes can get lost. We will use the full DNA sequences of at least fifty strains per species to find out which genes were acquired and which ones were lost by which ancestors in the course of evolution. We can then see whether there is a connection between these gene gain and loss events and the environment in which these ancestors lived.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The problem of air pollution is often highly underestimated. Recent studies of both the World Health Organisation and UNICEF show the adverse effects on the human health. According to these studies, air pollution causes the death of 6.5 million people, amongst which 600,000 children under the age of 5.The biggest contributors to air pollution are the industry, traffic, indoor cooking fuels and chemical solvents. They cause a high level of air pollution, in- and outdoors, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as one of the pollutants. Air pollution does not only affect human health. It was already noticed that the plant's phyllosphere microbiome changes under the influence of air pollution. Especially an enrichment of bacteria capable of metabolizing air pollution was noted. In this study, we want to isolate and characterize these air pollution metabolizing bacteria for the phyllosphere, by incubating them in the presence of VOCs. The genome of interesting isolates will be fully sequenced and functionally annotated. Special attention will go to the identification of VOC bioremediating genes. In the last phase of this research project, the bioremediating capacity of the isolates will be tested in an experimental setting. A young plant will be sprayed with the bioremediating bacteria, and placed in a plant chamber under controlled atmosphere. In this atmosphere, VOCs will be present. The concentration of these VOC will be followed over time, for one week. With this setup, we want to study the bioremediation capacity of the newly isolated species in a realistic experimental setting. Bacterial species capable of successfully breaking down air pollutants, can help to clean the in- and outdoor air by simply applying them to vegetation outdoors or indoors chamber plants. The applied bacteria can clean the air from their natural environment, the phyllosphere, in a sustainable way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandenheuvel Dieter

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of our BIOVEINS project is to use functional diversity (FD) to highlight the mechanisms underpinning the link between GBI, taxonomic diversity (TD) and ecosystem services (ESs) provisioning, and to provide, together with local stakeholders, the ecological and interdisciplinary knowledge to identify the critica/ features of GBI, to guide the establishment; management and restoration of GBI, and to mitigate the effects of major urban global challenges, like habitat fragmentation, air pollution, and urban heat island.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we will explore microbiological and formulation aspects of micro-encapsulation of live bacteria for probiotherapy of skin applications through collaboration with an Industrial partner.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The production and application of nuclear energy has led to enhanced radioactivity in the environment, resulting in an increased exposure of humans to ionising radiation. Among the various pathways by which humans can get exposed to ionising radiation, the uptake of radionuclides by agricultural plants is one of the most important routes. Agricultural plants can get contaminated by direct contamination of the surfaces of aerial parts of plants or by indirect contamination when radionuclides deposited on the soil are taken up by the root systems together with water and nutrients. Past experiences have shown that for most radionuclides, the contamination of the crops by interception is much higher than the indirect contamination via root uptake during the first year of a nuclear accident or if contamination occurs via yearly irrigation with contaminated water. A good estimate of the foliar uptake by plants is therefore necessary to reliably assess the exposure dose from the consumption of contaminated agricultural foodstuffs. Although foliar deposition is an important route by which plants become contaminated, the data base for modelling foliar uptake is poor. As a result, large uncertainties are associated with the contamination of food crops via the foliar pathway, yet simple approaches are used to estimate the contamination of plants via foliar uptake. It is well known that four main processes relate to the contamination of vegetation by foliar uptake. These processes are the interception by the plant surface, the retention after weathering processes have occurred, the absorption into the plant and the translocation or movement within the plant to other plant parts such as roots, fruit, etc. To overcome the large uncertainties associated with the foliar pathway, more experiments are needed to investigate these four processes as function of the element, the plant species, the stage of plant development at which the deposition occurs and the time after the contamination. Air humidity and temperature can also be important as shown by the research done on foliar fertilisation by mineral nutrients. The aim of this PhD proposal is to provide data on the interception, retention and translocation of radionuclides at different stages of plant development for wet deposition simulating sprinkling irrigation and as such contribute to a better quantification of the foliar uptake. The main research question is: Is the internal contamination of the plant ruled mainly by the leaf area index and the amount intercepted on the leaves? Other research questions are: Is it possible to make a distinction between the amount retained on the plant surface and the amount absorbed internally and available for translocation? Is the chemical form of the radionuclide more or less important than the differences between the plants?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project has the aim to make an up to date literature overview of the role of vegetation on the indoor and outdoor air quality. An overview will be given on differences between species in their role for cleaning the air, as well as of the plant characteristics driving this air pollution mitigation potential.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Proposed by the University, the Francqui Foundation each year awards two Francqui Chairs at the UAntwerp. These are intended to enable the invitation of a professor from another Belgian University or from abroad for a series of ten lessons. The Francqui Foundation pays the fee for these ten lessons directly to the holder of a Francqui Chair.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Naturally fermented vegetable juices have known a recent 'revival'. It becomes more and more clear that contact with a diverse group of bacterial species is necessary for the proper development of our immune system ('Hygiene Hypothesis). After the start of our Citizen Science project 'Ferme Pekes' with 40 participants from the Antwerp area, we would like to proceed with the analyses of al these samples and further extent the research to investigate the robustness of these fermentations. Within this background, we will analyse the microbial composition in fermented vegetable juices and look at the probiotic potential of specific isolates.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Claes Ingmar

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that various disorders of the upper respiratory tract (URT) involve an imbalance of the microbiota in this niche, without the clear dominance of a single pathogenic species. These studies highlight that the microbial ecology of these niches needs to properly studied for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these URT diseases. However, many details on these microbial imbalances need to be unraveled. Therefore, this project aims to characterize the microbiome in the URT by Illumina MiSeq microbial community profiling using the 16S rRNA gene as main target. In addition, we will screen for niche-specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as potential beneficial and probiotic microbes and we will compare their occurrence, genetic potential and functional activity with more pathogenic species such as Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a common URT disease, is chosen as important case-study to unravel the microbiome of the URT. Samples of CRS patients will be functionally and quantitatively compared with healthy individuals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wittouck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract (URT) infections have a major impact on public and animal health with a high incidence in Flanders. Moreover, these infections predispose to lower respiratory tract and lung infections, which have a higher impact on health worldwide than all other infectious diseases combined. The study of the microbiome and the investigation of new possible bacterio- and probiotic therapies can deliver additional first in line solutions, which will eventually lead to lower antibiotics usage.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Vanderveken Olivier
• Fellow: De Boeck Ilke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to explore probiotic microbial approaches that can efficiently reduce the incidence and symptoms of diseases of the upper respiratory tract (URT). Hereto, we will set up an enabling platform to (1) select innovative probiotic strains for this original human body niche of probiotic application, (2) develop innovative processes for the formulation, upscaling and application of these probiotic strains and (3) develop innovative services based on cellular, more complex polymicrobial model systems and microbiome analyses of the URT to monitor the impact of probiotics, food and pharmaceutical compounds on the microbiota of the URT.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Vanderveken Olivier

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project the potential antipathogenic and immunomodulatory activity of exopolysaccharides of model Lactobacillus strains is investigated by in vitro and in vivo models. Methods for extraction, characterization and formulation of the exopolysaccharides are also optimized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Fellow: Allonsius Camille

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Among air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) poses the greatest risk to public health. Atmospheric PM is currently monitored by a network of air monitoring stations, but its limited spatial resolution impedes to properly monitor the high spatial variability in PM local exposure. On the other hand, urban vegetation works as a reliable passive PM collector, as it provides a natural surface for deposition and immobilization of pollutants. In this research project, urban green is thus used as a bio-indicator for atmospheric PM (biomonitoring), where each leaf plant can work as a monitoring station per se. Within airborne PM, iron and other metals are of particular interest. Therefore, magnetic biomonitoring of leaves has been extensively used as a rapid and cost-effective tool to assess urban PM exposure, however, the discrimination of PM sources based on magnetic analyses remains yet a less explored topic. PM source attribution mainly depends on the chemical characteristics (composition and structure of the particles), size distribution and even shape properties, therefore, a component of particle analysis is also necessary to understand the different sources of PM. The strategy of this project is based on PM fingerprinting the major urban PM sources (e.g. roadside and train traffic) in terms of its magnetic signatures, composition and microscopic form, and on how the different magnetic parameters can be used to identify them in the mixed-source urban environment. The main goal is then to investigate the applicability of using magnetic biomonitoring of urban leaves as an effective source apportionment methodology/tool for PM exposure. The application of such a methodology would help on delineating high-polluted PM areas while understanding their major PM emission sources, which can be of great use for e.g. impact assessment studies and policy implementation of targeted PM mitigation strategies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Fellow: Castanheiro Ana

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Our lungs are the largest interface between the human host and the external environment, being exposed to more than 8 000 litres of inhaled air each day. Although not visible by the naked eye, the air is teeming with bacteria. Inevitably, these bacteria are frequent visitors of our respiratory system. Although exposure to microbes and their components has been shown to be important for the development of our immune system (hygiene hypothesis). What happens when we are in an urban environment- exposed to microbes and pollutants simultaneously? By now, we all know about air pollution – the world's largest environmental health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2012 air pollution caused one in eight of total global deaths, being linked to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. However, air pollution not only affects our health, but also our quality of living. Nationally, Belgium is an important hotspot for traffic-related air pollution, with particulate air pollution being one of the highest of Western Europe. The pollutant most associated with the health effects is particulate matter, a heterogeneous mixture of liquid and solid materials suspended in the air, and typically small enough (<10μm) to be respired. Mechanistic studies indicate that the observed health effects are related to the capacity of inhaled PM to induce oxidative stress and airway inflammation. There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to the predominant mechanisms and also the compositional element(s) that drive the inflammatory response of ambient PM. Although PM consists of a very complex mixture, of these components, bacterial endotoxins (or lipopolysaccharides) from the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria are well-known for their high pro-inflammatory capacity. To attribute their role in PM-related inflammation, we need to know if endotoxins are present in an urban environment? Subsequently, several global studies have monitored ambient endotoxin concentrations in an urban environment, however they reported very low concentrations, thus discouraging their importance in an urban environment, and thus their involvement in PM-related inflammation. We investigated the methods used in all these studies and found that they relied on filter-based collection strategies which are typically used to collect PM. However, the problem with these methods is that once the endotoxins are captured on the filter, they are very difficult to remove for analysis. Improving on these methods, our study used an impinger-based strategy, depositing the airborne endotoxins directly into water, obtaining more than 30 fold higher endotoxin concentrations. Now that we know that endotoxins are indeed in significant concentrations within an urban environment, it urges us to re-evaluate their role in PM-related inflammation. Briefly, we will i) monitor spatiotemporal endotoxin concentrations by applying novel and up-to-date methods, and utilizing colony sequencing to identify possible sources for endotoxin increases within an urban environment; ii) elucidate the contribution of microbial endotoxins in PM-associated inflammation using human respiratory cell lines models, as well as to investigate any synergistic effects with other PM components by using synthetic pollutant models iii) gain mechanistic insights into inflammatory pathways and regulation of key receptors using RT qPCR, dedicated PCR arrays or RNA seq, iv) validating some of our findings in human volunteers from nasal brushings upon short-term PM exposure.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Moretti Serena

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Air pollution is now the world's largest single environmental health risk. Nevertheless, current air quality networks obtain poor spatial monitoring resolution due to high investment and maintenance costs. Especially in heterogeneous urban environments, spatial monitoring resolution is generally too limited. Biomagnetic monitoring of roadside plant leaves presents a promising monitoring approach to capture spatio-temporal variation of air pollution. Throughout my PhD, I evaluated biomagnetic monitoring (SIRM) of leaf-deposited particles for both air quality monitoring and modelling purposes, on both spatial and temporal resolutions. Nevertheless, lack of information on magnetisable composition and health-relevancy of magnetic minerals in atmospheric particles impedes the general application of biomagnetic monitoring in environmental air quality assessments. Our research project aims to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the magnetisable composition of urban atmospheric particles, its potential for source attribution in urban areas, and the health-relevancy of biomagnetic properties. While the magnetic mineralogy, grain size and concentration will reflect PM source-contributions, associations with heavy metals and/or elemental carbon might emphasize biomagnetic monitoring as a novel health-related PM proxy. The acquired knowledge will be implemented in two largescale and parallel biomagnetic monitoring campaigns in Antwerp (Belgium) and London (UK).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Lenaerts Silvia
• Fellow: Hofman Jelle

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Although not visible by the naked eye, the air is teeming with bacteria. Inevitably, these airborne bacteria are frequent visitors of the respiratory system. Endotoxins are highly inflammatory lipid components of Gram-negative bacteria. In an urban environment, they may act by heightening immune responses in the presence of other pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM). However, our knowledge on the involvement of airborne endotoxins in PM-related inflammation is restricted on the methods used for its collection, quantification and analysis. Until now, collection methods have relied on filter-based samplers which are far from ideal for the recovery of endotoxins. For this reason, our study focusses on developing a new, more efficient, non-filter based strategy for the monitoring of endotoxins in an urban environment. Our first experiments could detect much higher ambient endotoxin concentrations than the available data in the literature for urban studies. This re-sparks the debate of the importance of endotoxins in the health effects of PM. Therefore, detailed studies will be done in cell models to investigate the contribution of endotoxins in PM-associated inflammation in relevant concentrations and in comparison with other pollutants. Finally, responses to natural PM exposure will be analysed in vivo at RNA level in nasal brushing samples and compared with the responses observed in the cell models.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Moretti Serena

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this PhD project is to select lactic acid bacteria in order to improve the fermentation process of vegetable juices using an integrated and interdisciplinary microbiological approach. Therefore the microbial diversity of spontaneous fermented vegetable juices will be studied. In a second step lactic acid bacteria isolated from the fermentation process will be studied using phenotypic assays and genome sequencing.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Wuyts Sander

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Ligands of the innate immune system form an important new class of adjuvants, but the desired immunostimulation is often linked with toxicity and serious side-effects. These ligands or 'microbe-associated molecular patterns' (MAMPs) can also be found on the surface of lactobacilli with a 'generally regarded as safe' status. Various studies have demonstrated the specific effects of certain lactobacilli and their surface molecules, but the potential of MAMPs such as exopolysaccharides and glycoproteins of lactobacilli still requires further investigation. Hereto, the project is divided in three parts. First, the molecular interactions between the glycoconjugates and receptors such as Toll-like receptors and C-type lectins will be mapped. Next the in vitro immune response of these molecules in immunological important cells will be investigated. Finally, the potential of selected molecules will be validated in a mouse model.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Fellow: Allonsius Camille

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of this research project is to develop, test and validate a plant-based passive biomonitoring methodology based on hyperspectral observations. To reach this objective an experimental set-up integrating different spatial (tree structural) scales will be used. In this project we will make use of a dual approach, i.e.: (1) large solitary trees growing in various contrasting urban environments in terms of air quality used for sealing up exercises, and (2) trees spatially distributed over the entire urban area for mapping purposes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Veroustraete Frank

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Specific Academic Objective: strengthen research and training on ecophysiological, nutritional and phytochemical characterization and fruit production under salt and drought stress of C. uvifera in saline coastal soils of Cuba.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lectins, known as carbohydrate-binding proteins, are considered as important signal molecules, which regulate physiological processes and multicellular communities. Lactobacillus species are important beneficial microorganisms that are ubiquitously present on plants, in milk and on mucosal surfaces of animal and human host. Lectins molecules on the cell surface of the Lactobacillus strains that can directly interact with the pathogens or host cells are important for their beneficial functions. In this project we aim to functionally characterise lectin proteins form the gastrointestinal probiotic L. rhamnosus GG, the vaginal probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1, the vaginal natural isolate L. plantarum CMPG5300 and the L. plantarum strains CMPGlp9 and CMPGlp10, which were isolated from cauliflower soils. The exact sugar/ligand specificity of the lectin molecules, their role in adhesion to variety of host cells and pathogen exclusion will be investigated. Furthermore in this project, we aim to gather more insights in genetic and functional aspects that are involved in the optimal heterologous expression and secretion of lectins by lactobacilli. We will focus on the probiotic L. rhamnosus GG and L. rhamnosus GR-1 strains, and two well-known mannose-specific lectins, i.e actinohivin and griffitsin. Ultimately this project proposal will provide better understanding of the fundamental principles governing the beneficial functions of Lactobacillus species for various niches.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Urbanization has resulted in health-threatening concentrations of air pollutants like particulate matter (PM), a diverse and complex mixture of air-suspended particles. PM affects more people than any other pollutant, and can be associated with e.g. asthma exacerbations and heart and vascular diseases. Studies indicate that many of the observed health effects are related to the capacity of inhaled PM to induce airway inflammation. Although not extensively studied and often neglected in PM sample collection methods, microbial endotoxins are components of PM with naturally high inflammatory potential. This response may be further enhanced with co-exposure to the other pollutants of PM. It has been suggested that transition metals may have a synergistic effect, however, novel approaches are needed to provide information on the biologically reactive state of the metals. This doctoral project therefore aims to develop and validate biologically relevant methods for analysis of airborne endotoxins and transition metals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Moretti Serena

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project takes the first step in unraveling the complex triangular relationship between leaf surface properties, phyllosphere microbial communities and particulate matter (PM). Following an exploration of the variability of leaf surface properties in urban ambient settings, the influence of leaf surface properties on PM deposition, encapsulation, and wash-off and on microbial community composition in the phyllosphere is studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wuyts Karen

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

During the last decades, the modem hygiene hypothesis, which links the increased incidence of immune disorders such as asthma with reduced contact with micro-organisms due to increased hygiene, has gained a lot of attention. This project aims to investigate the molecular basis underlying the hygiene hypothesis, by studying the importance of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in detennining the susceptibility for the development of immune disorders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we aim to perform a molecular analysis of glycoproteins in the beneficial bacterial strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Hereto, a thorough genetic, biochemical and functional characterization of the glycoproteins of LGG will be performed in relation to specific aspects of its physiology, cell wall morphology and interactions with the host. The molecular knowledge obtained in this project will provide novel insights in the glycobiology of beneficial microbes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It has recently been shown that in a temperate area it is possible to determine the spatial distribution of particulate matter in an urban environment by Saturation lsothennal Remanent Magnetization (SlRM) of plants leaves (Kardel et al. 201 l and 2012). But no such study has already been conducted in tropical (urban) environments. The first aim of this study is, therefore, to evaluate the potential of leaf magnetic and biochemical characteristics as bio-indicators of particulate matter of urban pollution in a tropical urban environment, as a cheap and easy way to monitor air pollution, i.e. particulate matter.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Yao Sadaiou Sabas Barima

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Probiotics are primarily known as food additives that can have positive health benefits by improving the microbial balance in the gut. Infections of the throat and nose are also characterized by microbial imbalances. Treatment of these infections with a local spray, tablets or mouthwash of probiotics, in particular with Lactobacillus species, can improve the efficacy of the currently available medication and provide an alternative and novel site of application for probiotics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The human body is occupied by a vast number of microorganisms, which are collectively called microbiota. They inhabit the skin, oronasopharyngeal cavity, genital tract and gastrointestinal tract. The microbiota present in each of the niches provides to the host a vast number of health effects, including inhibition of bacterial pathogenic colonization, stimulation of immune responses and promotion of immune regulation. Interest in the beneficial functions of the human microbiota has boomed within the last ten years, thanks to major advances in next generation sequencing technologies in so called 'metagenomic studies'. In this rather new 'microbiota field', the potential of nasal and pharyngeal probiotics is currently unexplored, while they hold great promise for multiple reasons. Among these, the facts that (i) upper respiratory tract infections, including acute otitis media, are the leading causes for the prescription of antibiotics in children and that (ii) the oronasopharyngeal cavity is quite accessible and generally populated by a less complex and less dense microbiota than the gut, form a major incentive for the proposed PhD project. In this study, fundamental questions underlying the potential of oronasopharyngeal application of probiotic lactobacilli will be studied. Hereto, a stepwise in vitro experimental design will be followed. The research questions that will be addressed include: (i) are lactobacilli tolerated by upper respiratory tract cells, (ii) can we select lactobacilli with inhibitory activity against typical bacterial respiratory pathogens, (iii) Do these lactobacilli also have potential to counteract aspects of the pro-inflammatory and oxidative activity of air pollution, (iv) which are the molecular mechanisms of probiotic action involved? To study potential modes of action, we will implement the construction and phenotypic analysis of dedicated knock-out mutants of Lactobacilli lacking putative probiotic factors. These in vitro experiments should deliver data for later in vivo animal studies and clinical trials.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: van den Broek Marianne

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Erasmus Mundus. UA provides Erasmus Mundus research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Baobab is a majestic tree, indigenous to tropical Africa and widespread throughout its drier regions. Local rural communities rely on this tree its resources for their livelihood, as it is a multipurpose tree species with products (leaves, fruit pulp, seeds, bark,...) having various applications (e.g. food uses, rope-making, traditional medicine, trading and marketing). This study focuses on the screening of superior planting material with respect to growth, biomass production, drought resistance and nutritional value. This information will be very valuable for future baobab plantings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Van den Bilcke Nina

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tropical deforestation contribute each year for approximately 20% of recent greenhouse gas emissions. A climate agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is expected to include a mechanism that provides positive incentives for non-Annex-I countries to reduce the emissions from deforestation and forest degradation ('REDD'). To ensure that REDD will be effective, environmentally sound, equitable and politically feasible, this project aim to make a quantitative sustainability assessment of the country-specific impacts of different REDD-scenario's, now on the negotiation table.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Vangoidsenhoven Marieke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A steady increase in chronic inflammatory diseases can be observed in regions with a high degree of industrialization and urbanization since World War II. The pro-inflammatory capacity of ambient air particulate matter and other air pollutants seems an important factor in the pathogenesis of these diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This project aims to generate more insights in the (micro)biology of air pollution by application of techniques from the fields of molecular microbiology and immunology to investigate the presence of micro-organisms and their endotoxins in particulate matter (PM) and to characterize the pro-inflammatory capacity of PM in detail.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lebeer Sarah
• Fellow: Lebeer Sarah

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Wuytack Tatiana

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine how external stress, influence the spectral characteristics of leaves in order to make a correct interpretation of the spectral signal. For this purpose soil-related stress factors, drought, nutrient status and presence of heavy metals as well as the influence of individual atmospheric pollutants (O3, NO2, SO2, NH3 and particulate matter) were examined in laboratory conditions. Finally, the influence of atmospheric pollutants in field conditions will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Snauwaert Lies

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand EU. UA provides EU research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Baobab is a majestic tree, indigenous to tropical Africa and widespread throughout its drier regions. Local rural communities rely on this tree its resources for their livelihood, as it is a multipurpose tree species with products (leaves, fruit pulp, seeds, bark,¿) having various applications (e.g. food uses, rope-making, traditional medicine, trading and marketing). This study focuses on the screening of superior planting material with respect to growth, biomass production, drought resistance and nutritional value. This information will be very valuable for future baobab plantings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Van den Bilcke Nina

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a strong greenhouse gas that occurs in albeit low concentrations in the atmosphere. A useful method for the degradation of this gas is so far not known. In this project we construct a reactor to test the capacity of different polluted soils to break down SF6. In parallel, we determine different physical and chemical parameters of the soils during SF6 treatment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose, widely-used tree species with medicinal properties, numerous food uses, and bark fibres used for a variety of applications. In this way, the tree is playing an essential role in the rural communities of Western Africa as a supplement of the local diet, a buffer against crop failures and a support of the local economy. Although baobab is being used by millions of people on a daily basis, the species has not yet been given the right attention and is being underutilized at this moment. Baobab is usually not cultivated for example, and rural people are dependent on variable weather conditions and wild, unimproved and generally 'unknown' plant material to supply them with the vital products. The general aim of this project is to give an overall picture of the different mechanisms of baobab to anticipate on drought conditions. In a first part, the morphological adaptations of the tree to different environments are being studied by a field survey in Mali. At the same time, seed material is collected from different provenances. The seed material is being used to set up different field- and environmental-controlled experiments, which are used for the characterization of the ecophysiological, cell physiological and molecular response of baobab to drought conditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: De Smedt Sebastiaan

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tropical deforestation contribute each year for approximately 20% of recent greenhouse gas emissions. A climate agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is expected to include a mechanism that provides positive incentives for non-Annex-I countries to reduce the emissions from deforestation and forest degradation ('REDD'). To ensure that REDD will be effective, environmentally sound, equitable and politically feasible, this project aim to make a quantitative sustainability assessment of the country-specific impacts of different REDD-scenario's, now on the negotiation table.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Vangoidsenhoven Marieke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of this research proposal is to develop, test and validate a passive biomonitoring methodology based on airborne h yperspectral observations based on an experimental set-up integrating over several spatial (tree structural) and temporal (dependent on the considered parameter) levels.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to evaluate the use of bamboo plants in biomass production and soil sanitation. Plants will be grown on three different fields and will thus exposed to different levels of pollution. Assessment of biomass production and tolerance towards the pollutant includes growth analysis, carbon assimilation and chlorophyll fluorescence. Based upon these data, an existing growth model (FORUG) will be parametrised for bamboo.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim is to investigate, develop, and apply methods to merge simulated regional atmospheric pollutant concentration fields with observed values, in order to generate an improved estimate of the "true" spatial and temporal distribution of air pollution.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Kumar Ujjwal

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tropical deforestation contribute each year for approximately 20% of recent greenhouse gas emissions. A climate agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is expected to include a mechanism that provides positive incentives for non-Annex-I countries to reduce the emissions from deforestation and forest degradation ('REDD'). To ensure that REDD will be effective, environmentally sound, equitable and politically feasible, this project aim to make a quantitative sustainability assessment of the country-specific impacts of different REDD-scenario's, now on the negotiation table.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Vangoidsenhoven Marieke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Flemish Region in northern Belgium suffers from air pollution levels that rank among the highest in Europe. At the same time, the effects of global climate change are increasingly being experienced in Flanders. In view of climate and air quality policy support, atmospheric models are crucial tools as they are able to provide prognoses and scenarios, and to date, particularly 3-D prognostic computer models are the best available instruments. However, these models are often limited to academic research purposes and are rarely run for sufficiently long periods to be of relevance for policy makers due to their complexity and computation intensive character. The objective of the CLIMAQS research project is to substantially improve and verify existing 3-D regional prognostic atmospheric grid models and to develop strategies for their effective implementation as policy support tools in the areas of climate change impacts and urban/regional air pollution in Flanders. Therefore, a very broad and generic knowledge platform in advanced atmospheric modelling will be developed, building on available expertise in Flanders. The project is a co-operation of VITO, the Dept. of Geography and the Dept. of Applied Science of the K.U.Leuven and the Dept. of Bioscience Engineering of the UA. In the first phase of the project, models for the regional and local scale secondary aerosol formation, the hydrologic cycle, and the biosphere-atmosphere-interaction processes will be improved. Moreover, data assimilation techniques will be implemented for certain hydrologic parameters and atmospheric trace gas and particle concentrations. Therefore, a dynamic biosphere scheme will be integrated in a regional climate model, allowing vegetation to interactively grow and decay following atmospheric conditions representative for future climates. The resulting improved regional climate modelling capacities are not only valuable in their own right, they will also benefit significantly to improved air quality modelling. At the local scale, i.e., that of a city quarter, a building and vegetation resolving modelling approach will be applied at a spatial resolution of metres. The 3-D terrain features will be reconstructed from high-resolution stereo-mode satellite imagery and will be employed to initialise model runs. The work will concentrate on implementing and testing a numerical representation of mainly traffic related pollutants like PM10, PM2.5 and NO2. In addition, special attention will be given to the harmful ultrafine fraction of particles, the dynamics affecting their size distribution and their interaction with plants. In the second phase, the focus will be on enhancing the applicability of the considered models for policy support purposes and on demonstrating their potential through case studies. So, following model coupling, code optimisation and parallelising, the final phase will be committed to performing policy relevant demonstration activities. These will consider specific case studies with local scale modelling in support of pollution mitigation strategies. At the same time, long term (~ 10 years) regional climate impact and air quality simulations will be carried out at resolutions down to a few kilometres covering the Flemish Region, both for current and future climate. The Dept. of Bioscience Engineering of the UA will develop numerical modules in the existing FORUG model to simulate (i) the impact of ambient atmospheric conditions and ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) on physiological vegetation dynamics and (ii) the emissions of BVOC's (biogenic volatile organic compounds) in terms of meteorological conditions and phenology, for trees, grassland and crops. Next, an existing deterministic plant model in ENVI-Met will be expanded to simulate the exchange of pollutants (deposition, uptake and leaching by leaves) and the physiological consequences of air pollutants. Therefore, intensive measuring campaigns are currently being set up in capital cities in Flanders to assess plant-pollutant interactions, for different tree species and in high spatio-temporal resolution. Finally, by means of case studies in the cities of Ghent and Hasselt, the benefits of realistic scenarios of urban green design will be assessed for local air quality and climate, with the extended ENVI-Met model. Urban green scenarios such as the creation of additional public park, the planting of hedges along busy streets, the creation of green roofs and a change in urban tree species, will be selected in collaboration with the cities involved.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Lenaerts Silvia

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Wuytack Tatiana

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tamarind, as a food, fodder and wood producing tree species, plays a very important socio-economical part in many of the rural communities of Western Africa. Nearly all components of the tree (leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, wood, bark) are being traded on the local market and mean a source of food and income security for producers and their families. Despite the importance of the species, only very little and mostly poorly coordinated research has been carried out on the African continent. Wild and uncultivated trees are now continuously being exploited to meet the growing demands. In this way, the intraspecific diversity is put at risk, thereby threatening food production and ecosystem stability. This research is complementary to the European project 'Domestication And Development Of Baobab And Tamarind' (DADOBAT), which aims to achieve a better and more complete exploitation of the possibilities of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and tamarind in Western Africa, by combining the results of different analyses in various scientific disciplines. The purpose of our study is to contribute to the DADOBAT-project, mainly by characterization of the current genetic and phenotypic diversity of tamarind and by facilitating the selection of the most suitable varieties for domestication and cultivation. Mali was selected as the study area. During a first project phase, observational research was carried out on ten tamarind populations, distributed over different climatic zones in Mali. Some morphological and chemical tree, leaf and fruit variables were measured and analyzed to determine the phenotypic diversity of the species, within and between populations and climatic zones. For the genetic analyses, STR (Simple Tandem Repeat) markers are being developed. By means of these markers, the genetic relationships between trees and populations will be elucidated. In that way identification of the possible landraces and characterization of the current genetic diversity of the species in Mali will be obtained. The results of both the phenotypic and the genetic part of the study will serve as a reference for the development of conservation strategies and as a starting point for the selection of useful traits for domestication programs. In a second phase the ecophysiological, chemical and growth response to drought stress will be determined for the landraces or ecotypes, identified in the former research phase. The resulting knowledge can facilitate the selection of the most drought resistant ecotypes for domestication in dry regions, where food provision and ecosystem stability are threatened the most.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Alaerts Katrijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project deals with the major problem of salinity in the Cauto VaIIey located in eastern Cuba, where it considerably diminishes food production. This area is of great importance for Cuban agriculture as it produces most of the country's sugar cane, nee, root crops and vegetables. The aim of this project is: (i) to improve food security and livelihood in eastern Cuba (Granma Province) through selection of the most salt-tolerant species and genotypes of three food plants (wheat, tomato and bean), and (ii) to strengthen ecophysiological and biochemical research on salt stress at Granma University (GU) and improving the training capacity on the former subject.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of the research is to adapt and further develop a canopy budget model, which will allow to use throughfall measurements for accurately quantifying internal and external nutrient sources in forest ecosystems. To this aim, the nutrient interactions between the atmosphere and the vegetation will be compared on several spatial and temporal scales between three important tree species with varying ecophysiological and biogeochemical characteristics. The nutrient transfer processes of dry deposition and canopy exchange will be studied at the spatial levels of leaves and branches, individual tree canopies as well as the forest stand, and during different periods of physiological activity. At the leaf and branch level, in-situ and ex-situ experiments will be carried out for determining physical and physiological vegetation characteristics that affect canopy exchange processes. At the canopy level, canopy architecture and its influence on within-canopy turbulence and dry deposition will be studied. Finally, the results of these two lower spatial levels will be integrated and scaled up in a process-oriented nutrient transfer model that will be validated at the stand level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Corrosion in ballast tanks is a very specific issue, influenced by numerous circumstances. As a consequence, many types of corrosion exist, each having its own influences and mechanisms. The project is divided in 3 work packages. Te first package intends to formulate a protocol for survey, a data form and a do it yourself kit for sampling. During the second package, on board sampling will be done. Chemical parameters and microbiological consortia will be identified. The third package tends to formulate a hypothesis regarding the cause of corrosion with the help of multivariate statistics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lenaerts Silvia
• Co-promoter: Dewil Raf
• Co-promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose, widely-used tree species with medicinal properties, numerous food uses, and bark fibres used for a variety of applications. In this way, the tree is playing an essential role in the rural communities of Western Africa as a supplement of the local diet, a buffer against crop failures and a support of the local economy. Although baobab is being used by millions of people on a daily basis, the species has not yet been given the right attention and is being underutilized at this moment. Baobab is usually not cultivated for example, and rural people are dependent on variable weather conditions and wild, unimproved and generally 'unknown' plant material to supply them with the vital products. The general aim of this project is to give an overall picture of the different mechanisms of baobab to anticipate on drought conditions. In a first part, the morphological adaptations of the tree to different environments are being studied by a field survey in Mali. At the same time, seed material is collected from different provenances. The seed material is being used to set up different field- and environmental-controlled experiments, which are used for the characterization of the ecophysiological, cell physiological and molecular response of baobab to drought conditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: De Smedt Sebastiaan

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This PhD research aims at the development of an operationel sustainability assessment tool for policymakers and stakeholders involved in bio-energy production and consumption. It intends to gain insight into the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the most relevant combinations of local or imported biomass and conversion technologies in Flanders. Therefore it is necessary to make an inventory and evaluation of the most relevant options of energetic valorisation of biomass in Flanders in the short and medium term. The major part of the research will be devoted to the elaboration of an integrated sustainability model that is specific for Flanders. An extensive review and evaluation will be made of existing assessment tools, primarely LCA-based ones, the internationally available LCA-data and the 1st and 2nd generation biomass technologies for energy conversion and generation. An economic optimalisation model will be chosen, based on some specific biomass and energy requirements, and combined with the environmental and social sustainability aspects into an integrated sustainability model for biomass energy. This model will make it possible to weigh the pros and cons of the different biomass conversion routes with respect to sustainability, energy efficiency and costs. The final questions to be answered in this research are thus: -which biomass-conversion technology combinations are for Flanders the optimal ones with respect to sustainability, energy and cost efficiency? -how can Flanders use its (limited) inland biomass sources in an optimal ecological and economic way?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kretzschmar Jean
• Fellow: Buytaert Veerle

Research team(s)

• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VITO. UA provides VITO research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vrancken Karl C M
• Fellow: Nikolova Irina

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)
• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand a private institution. UA provides the private institution research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lenaerts Silvia

Research team(s)

• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This doctoral research aims at the development of a functional, gastight ceramic membrane, with a hollow fiber geometry and optimal proton or oxygen ion conduction, applicable in the precombustion and/or oxyfuel route for future thermal power plants. In the oxyfuel route pure oxygen ( obtained from ambient air via membrane separation) is used as oxidans for the fuel, while in the precombustion route the fuel is gasified and H2 is separated from the H2/CO2 mixture. The development of the appropriate membranes will be based on former VITO research wherein the technical feasability of manufacturing high quality ceramic fibers was demonstrated. The first step will be the production and characterisation of hollow fibers made of perovskite or perovskite like ceramic material, while in the second, and crucial step a suitable small-scale membrane module will be designed to bundle the hollow fibers, make them gastight and thus simplifying the scaling-up.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kretzschmar Jean
• Fellow: Buysse Cédric

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)
• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Kretzschmar Jean
• Fellow: Mishra Vinit Kumar

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Seuntjens Piet Dfe

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)
• Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: D'Haese Luc

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Previous research indicated that a mild stress treatment stimulates isolated plant cells to dedifferentiate and to transform into somatic embryos, and this through an interaction with auxin and auxin metabolism. This project uses Arabidopsis mutants in hormone metabolism and stress responsiveness to investigate this interaction further.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland
• Fellow: Alaerts Katrijn

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) has an essential socio-economical role in the rural communities of West-Africa. Despite the daily usage of baobab products by millions of people, research about this species is scarce, and its potential is not fully used. Therefore, this project aims at characterising, on an ecophysiological basis, baobab-types growing along a precipitation gradient in Mali, in their response to drought and salinity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Samson Roeland

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Seuntjens Piet Dfe
• Fellow: Meynendonckx Joke

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Seuntjens Piet Dfe

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project concerns the start-up of a new research line for the physico-chemical treatment of flue gases and process monitoring by means of gas sensors. A flow-through reactor is built for the characterization of adsorption and catalytic properties of metal oxide materials. Objective is the removal of harmful components from flue and off-gases. These measurements are the basis for more in-dept basic research on the working principle of nano structured metal oxide materials (TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, V2O5) used as sorbent, as catalyst or as gas sensor.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Lenaerts Silvia

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: D'Haese Luc

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Potters Geert

Research team(s)

• Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project