DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY

Prof. Penka Petrova, PhD, DSc

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 79

E-mail: pepipetrova@yahoo.com

   

LABORATORIES:

 

MICROBIAL GENETICS

Head: Assoc. Professor Galina Stoyancheva, PhD

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 82

E-mail: galinadinkova@abv.bg

 

Objects of research are Lactic acid bacteria, Streptomycetes, methylotrophic yeast, Ascomycetous and Bazidiomycetous yeasts and molds. The main research is focused on the genetic analysis and regulation of genes in microorganisms; Molecular taxonomic characterization of lactobacilli isolated from Bulgarian dairy products; Characterization of probiotic potential of Lactic acid bacteria, Studying the molecular mechanisms of resistance to industrial stress; Isolation and molecular genetic analysis of vaginal lactobacilli; Increasing antibiotic productivity and activity of production strains Streptomycetes; Cloning and sequence analysis of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of spectinomycin in Streptomyces flavopersicus; Construction of yeast strains Ogataea polymorpha for the expression of heterologous genes; Molecular,genetic and biochemical analysis of yeast and molds (Aspergillus, Trametes, Penicillium, Cladosporium and the like.), capable of efficient degradation of toxic aromatic and aliphatic compounds; Obtaining of appropriate DNA sequences to study the biodegradation potential of microbial strains in industrial contaminated water and soils; Investigation on the ability of microorganisms for biodegradation of monoaromatic and polyaromatic pollutants of the environment such asanthracene, naphthalene and phenanthrene (Trichosporon cutaneum, Aspergillus, Trametes, Penicillium, Cladosporium etc.)

 

CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY

Head: Assist. Prof. Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, PhD

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 59

Е-mail: pauny@abv.bg

Fine structure of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbial species. Cytochemical and immunocytochemical localization of enzymes and biopolymers. Changes in ultrastructural and cytochemical characteristics due to culture regime, incl. immobilization on various matrices and nanomaterials, and under the action of biosurfactants, signal molecules and physicochemical factors. Cell-to-cell antigen variations. Biofilms – structure, and activation or inhibition of biofilm growth.

 

MICROBIAL BIOCHEMISTRY

 Head: Assist. Prof. Rumyana Eneva, PhD

 Tel.: +359 2 979 31 47

 E-mail: rum_eneva@abv.bg

Studies on enzymes: secretion, isolation, characterization, properties. Neuraminidases – studies on the role in infection. Biological active substances of microbial and synthetic origin- antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action. Microbial surfactants: biosynthesis, physico-chemical properties, applications, effects on microbial cell surface and properties. Characterization and biosynthetic potential of new mesophilic and psychrophilic/psychrotolerant bacteria and yeasts isolated from extreme ecological niches for synthesis of enzymes, antimicrobials, etc. Biodegradation of lipophylic compounds. Microbial transformation of steroids.

 

EXTREMOPHILIC MICROORGANISMS

Head: Assist. Prof. Ivanka Boyadzhieva, PhD

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 76

E-mail: petrovaim@abv.bg

 

 Tel.: +359 2 979 31 79

 E-mail: stdanova@yahoo.com

The Laboratory of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Probiotics successfully develops molecular biological studies of LAB from different habitats (traditional dairy and other fermentation-derived products, plants, human microbiome) - isolation, identification and characterization of their biological activity and applicability. Using classical microbiological and modern molecular genetic methods, probiotic potential, safety and their role as a factor in the healthy balance of the microbiome are determined. The laboratory successfully works with teams from different scientific units at home and abroad. It trains undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.