Laboratory of Applied Microbiology

Laboratory of Applied Microbiology (LMA)
Biological innovation for health and soil
At the Applied Microbiology Laboratory, we explore the resources of the microbial world to provide practical solutions to current issues in food security and agriculture. The central idea behind our work is simple: to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to transform them into viable biotechnological tools capable of protecting our crops and improving our nutrition.
Our research priorities
1. Utilisation of lactic acid bacteria and nutrition
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are at the heart of our research. We do not simply study their metabolism; we seek to exploit their acidification and flavour production capabilities to revolutionize dairy products.
• The challenge: To create high-performance bio-ingredients and probiotics that makes fermented products a true pillar of healthy eating.
2. Membrane study and pathogen control
The cell membrane is the gateway to all bacterial interaction. By carefully analyzing membrane transport mechanisms, we seek to make harmful bacteria more vulnerable.
• The objective: Optimize the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents to secure the food chain and eliminate pathogens in a more targeted manner.

3. Bio-preservation: the natural alternative
We rely on nature to replace synthetic chemicals. Our team selects strains capable of producing protective molecules, such as bacteriocins.
• Innovation: Through rigorous molecular characterisation, we develop biological preservatives that guarantee food freshness without altering its natural properties.
4. Plant health and biocontrol solutions
Faced with vascular diseases and fungal attacks that ravage field crops, we favour biological control. In particular, we exploit the antagonistic potential of the Bacillus and Streptomyces genera.
• Strategy: Develop integrated protection methods to secure agricultural yields while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.
Vision and commitments
For us, the agro-industry of tomorrow must be based on a perfect understanding of living organisms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the laboratory bench and the field:
• Rigour: Science based on solid molecular evidence.
• Ecology: An ongoing commitment to sustainability through biocontrol.
• Impact: Smooth technology transfer to industrial sectors.
Our laboratory is actively involved in several international and national projects.
2020-2024 International Project SUSFOOD2 and core Organic Cofounds Joint Call entitled : Innovative High Pressure Process To Increase The Preservation Of Ready-To-Eat Organic Food ID:46. Subvention Horizon 2020 de l'Union européenne n° 727473 et n° 727495.
2019-2024 Projet International LABVITDEX (fin 2019-fin 2024): Selection and characterization of lactic acid bacteria that overproduce vitamin B2 and dextran for the development of functional bread and dairy products
2024 - 2026 Projet BRASALTProgramme Hubert Curien Tassili N°24MDU104
2024-2026 Projet International Asturias Dairy Products Institute IPLA-University Oran 1 (fin 2024-fin 2026): Desarrollo de un fermento láctico con propiedades tecnológicas, funcionales y bioconservantes ; del aislamiento a la aplicación.
Et projets natinaux
2023-2027 Évaluation de l'effet PGPR et antagoniste de bacilles vis-à-vis de Fusarium oxysporum f.sp lycopersici Sponsored by le Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche Scientifique PRFU Code D04NO1UN310120230001
2022-2026 Utilisation innovante de Leuconostoc isolées à partir du lait de chèvre et de chamelle, en tant que des ferments probiotique ou cultures auxiliaires, dans le traitement du diffèrent fromage HALAL ».»Sponsored by le Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche Scientifique PRFU D01N01UN310120220002