Environmental Microbiology

Our group has as main research interest the study of the metabolic and regulatory networks that control the bacterial metabolism of toxic compounds and/or biowaste, many of which are major environmental pollutants. The cell signaling circuits and the cognate resistance mechanisms involved in the bacterial adaptation to the stress caused by the toxic compounds are also under study. To this end, we carry out classic approaches of physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, in combination with modern omic and synthetic biology techniques, to achieve an integrative and systems biology view. The acquired knowledge is also used to design, through systems metabolic engineering, recombinant microorganisms as biofactories for the conversion of contaminants/waste into added value products. The development of sustainable technologies to fix CO2, and to remove and revalorize contaminants and biowaste is a priority within the framework of a circular bio-economy.