Projects

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Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) based analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producing microorganisms in activated sludge University of Antwerp

Jolien D'aes
Environmental Ecology & Applied Microbiology (ENdEMIC), Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Production of poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic by activated sludge is a promising strategy for valorization of wastewater, which could simultaneously lower the still too high production cost of PHAs. The aim of this project is to develop a fast and reliable quantitative PCR assay for routine analysis of PHA producing microorganisms in activated sludge.

High-throughput multiplex quantitative PCR KU Leuven

Bernard Thienpont
Department of Human Genetics
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a mainstay of genomic research: it enables a range of analyses that complement or support genome-, transcriptome- and epigenome-wide analyses. qPCR is required to accurately calibrate mixtures of sequencing library, to assess expression of selected genes in a multitude of biological samples, to quantify locus-specific DNA methylation in a bisulfite-independent manner, to measure the level of histone modifications at ...

Development of a microfluidics based methodfor qualitative and quantitative assessment of phages for phage therapy, a phage measurement device for you University College Ghent

Stefan Vermeulen
University College Ghent

1. Validate

a microfluidic based method for quantifying phages as accurately or better than the golden standard method (double agar overlay), currently used for over 100years

2. Establish

proof of principle for ESKAPE pathogens

3. Optical imaging equipment and basic plan for software algorithm

Development and application of molecular tools to elucidate the influence of mycorrhizal interactions on the spatial distribution of terrestrial orchids. KU Leuven

Hans Jacquemyn
Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, Bioengineering Technology, Group T Leuven Campus

Orchids have long been a source a scientific curiosity, even Darwin himself found them to be a source of intrigue, when he noted that “[seeds] are produced by orchids in vast profusion.... What checks the unlimited multiplication of the Orchideae throughout the world is not known.” (Darwin, 1877). We now understand that this preponderance of seed production and correspondingly rare event of germination and seed development are a ...

Living the Granular Life! Microbial ecology of biological phosphorus removal in granular sludge systems. University of Antwerp

Jan Dries
Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) represents a true revolution in the field of biological wastewater treatment with significant advantages in comparison to conventional activated sludge, such as low energy use, small footprint, process efficiency, recovery of biopolymers & phosphorus...).The granulation process relies on the specific metabolism of carbon-storing bacteria, such as polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAO). The most intensively ...

Phytosanitary status of organisms harmful to plants and plant products Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Jochem Bonte, Kurt Heungens, Johan Witters, Nicole Viaene, Wim Wesemael, Kris De Jonghe
Plant Sciences
Main research question/goal

The aim of this project is to determine the correct phytosanitary status of 13 well-defined pest insects, one harmful plant fungus, one nematode and one plant virus, and that specifically for the Belgian territory. Taken as a whole, we suspect that they can pose a threat to (parts of) fruit and vegetable growing and tree nurseries. The problem is that so far no extensive survey has been set up ...

Decolorization of textile waste water, with an emphasis on microbial treatment processes KU Leuven

Bart Lievens, Lise Appels
Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Materials Technology, Group T Leuven Campus, Bioengineering Technology, Group T Leuven Campus, Chemical & Biochemical Process Technology & Control (BioTec+), Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS)

Textile wastewater is typically intensely colored, containing high concentrations of dyes, dyeing additives and diverse chemicals, some of which are non-biodegradable and/or toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic. Therefore, it is essential to treat textile wastewater in order to remove these substances before being discharged into the environment. Over the past few decades extensive research has been performed concerning dye removal from different ...

Microbial degradation of chlorinated ethenes in hyporheic zones: processes and development of mitigation strategies KU Leuven

Dirk Springael
Division of Soil and Water Management
Chlorinated aliphatic compounds (CAHs) like tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and their daughter products cis</>-dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) are major groundwater contaminants threatening water quality and human health. At many industrial sites, CAH contaminated groundwater plumes discharge into surface water bodies like rivers and lakes. </>Research and technology development aiming at mitigationof ...

Aptamer based strategies for ultrasensitive protein detection KU Leuven

Jeroen Lammertyn
Department of Chemistry, Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS), Department of Materials Engineering
In recent years, the concept of personalized medicine is gaining increased interest. It is envisioned that it soon might be possible to accurately assess medical risk -even before the onset of disease- and to monitor, diagnose and treat patients more effectively based on their individual genomes. Currently however, the vastly increased availability of genetic information is of only limited value to the individual, as the number of known genetic ...

Characterization of the bacterial community composition in drinking water production and distribution systems, emphasizing Acinetobacter species. KU Leuven

Bart Lievens, Chris Michiels
Electrical Engineering Technology (ESAT), Ghent and Aalst Technology Campuses, Bioengineering Technology, Group T Leuven Campus, Centre for Food and Microbial Technology

The production and delivery of safe drinking water is challenging. The quality of drinking water is influenced by its chemical and microbial composition which in turn may be affected by the source water and the different processes applied in the production of drinking water. Important bacterial waterborne pathogens include members of the genera Legionella, Mycobacterium and Acinetobacter. Acinetobacter ...