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Microbiology

We have a multi-disciplinary approach to answering fundamental questions relating to the characterisation, evaluation and testing of microorganisms and viruses.  This could be for example, investigating the activity of new antimicrobials or defining the structure of bacterial proteins. Structural biology is an important tool we use to investigate the 3-D structures of biomolecules and explain biological interactions. The figure below shows some of the key steps for an X-ray crystallographic study used to solve the protein structure of a bacterial cell wall “re- structuring” enzyme from Bacillus anthracis.  (a) X-ray diffraction pattern (b) and (c) structure of the “re- structuring” enzyme known as an autolysin.

Biotechnology

We have a wide range of expertise focussed on using living systems and organisms to develop products.  Our research utilises many techniques, from protein biochemistry and structural techniques to cell culture and bio-conjugation.  We are developing new methods to design bio-therapeutics and we are assessing and developing novel delivery strategies.

The group has developed strong collaborations across the College of Health and Science, the É«½ç°É Institute for Health, the É«½ç°É Institute for Agri-Food Technology and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanties.

Research Activity

School of Life Sciences Research Groups