Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria that attach to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix. These biofilms play a crucial role in various environments, including food production, where they can contribute to both spoilage and foodborne outbreaks. Our research investigates how bacterial communities within biofilms interact, evolve, and adapt to environmental stress. We focus particularly on multispecies biofilms, which exhibit emergent properties that single-species biofilms do not, such as enhanced resistance. Our findings will help develop strategies to disrupt biofilm formation, improve disinfection protocols, and ensure food safety across industries.

Microbial communities are dynamic ecosystems where bacteria interact in ways that influence their behavior and resilience. In food systems, these interactions can be beneficial or harmful and impact both contamination, spoilage, or general food safety. Our research delves into how microbial communities evolve, adapt, and cooperate or compete within complex environments. By exploring the genetic and physiological mechanisms driving these interactions, we aim to harness beneficial microbial relationships while mitigating harmful effects. Additionally, we investigate the role of microalgae in microbial communities, exploring their potential to balance ecosystems and support sustainable food systems, particularly as an alternative protein source.

Bioprotection refers to the concept of using natural microbial communities to protect food from harmful pathogens and spoilage organisms. Our research focuses on developing biobarrier technologies that rely on beneficial microbial interactions to enhance food safety. These bioprotective strategies utilize the competitive dynamics between microorganisms to prevent the growth of pathogens, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives. By improving microbial community resilience and understanding their ecological roles, we aim to reduce food waste, promote sustainability, and ensure the safety of food products across industries.

Ensuring food safety begins with effective hygiene practices and microbial quality assurance. Our research focus es on evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection methods for removing microbial biofilms and contaminants from food production surfaces. We identify sources and pathways of microbial hazards and spoilage organisms in critical environments. By studying the stress tolerance and resistance of pathogens to different preservation strategies, including emerging technologies, we aim to define safety limits and improve food safety protocols, ensuring better control and more efficient prevention of contamination in industrial food production.

Understanding the complexities of microbial communities requires advanced analytical tools. Our research integrates cutting-edge techniques like confocal microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, molecular analysis, and computational modeling to study microbial behavior and interactions at the single-cell level. This multidisciplinary approach provides deeper insights into microbial dynamics, enabling us to develop targeted interventions that improve food safety and bacterial performance. By harnessing these technologies, we can address complex challenges in microbial management and contribute to more sustainable and efficient food systems.