Unlocking the Potential of Colorful Microorganisms! 🦠 🎨

Harnessing the vibrant palette of microbial pigments could revolutionize the fight against harmful petrochemical dyes. These natural pigments offer an innovative and sustainable alternative for industries seeking greener solutions.

Miguel is a PhD researcher in the BioChroma project, an FWO-funded initiative focused on developing novel elicitation techniques to enhance microbial pigment production.  BioChroma is coordinated by Prof. Anne Willems (UGent) and is a collaboration between research groups at UGent and UAntwerpen.

Miguels’ research also explores sustainable extraction methods to optimize these bio-based colorants.

This study employs high-throughput screenings, diverse fermentation strategies, and cutting-edge infrastructure at VEG-i-TEC (UGent, Campus Kortrijk) and the MEMO research group at UGent’s Centre for Synthetic Biology (Coupure Campus). The goal is to develop an industrially viable process for microbial pigment production.

🤝 Miguel’s PhD is conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. ir. Katleen Raes, group leader at VEG-i-TEC, and Prof. Dr. ir. Marjan De Mey, head of the MEMO research group.

Through this research, Miguel contributes to a future where sustainable, microbial-based pigments replace petrochemical dyes, offering a cleaner and more eco-friendly solution for industries worldwide.