Fungal Biofactories

The members of the group are experts in food microbiology, microbial biotechnology of filamentous fungi and yeasts, and in the characterization of peptides and bioactive proteins. Our research is aligned with three main objectives, from the most consolidated to the strategic and future ones: (1) identification, characterization of the mode of action and biotechnological production of bioactive peptides and proteins, including mainly antimicrobials (antifungals); (2) the development of gene editing and synthetic biology tools to boost the biotechnological use of filamentous fungi; (3) the development of fungi as sustainable and efficient biofactories for the production of biomolecules and proteins of agri-food interest and the use of agri-food waste. We apply microbiological, biochemical, biotechnological and molecular genetics techniques along with cell biology and functional genomics approaches.