MARIA TRINIDAD DE MIGUEL BOUZAS

Dr. Maria Trinidad de Miguel Bouzas is a contracted professor at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela. She holds a doctorate in Microbiology from the same institution (1999), focusing on 'New microbial sources of carotenoids.' Her research group, BIOTEC (Biotechnology), explores antimicrobial compounds, polyphenolic extracts, and microbial applications in food safety and healthcare.

Her research interests span antimicrobial resistance, natural product chemistry, and biotechnological applications of microorganisms. Notable areas include evaluating polyphenol-rich extracts from grape marc and other botanical sources for antibacterial activity, as well as studying bacterial development in model organisms like Caulobacter crescentus. She has also contributed to citizen science initiatives like the MicroMundo Project to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance.

Her work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical applications, including food preservation, antibiotic alternatives, and sustainable use of agricultural byproducts. Over 30 years of research output includes studies on microbial carotenoids, enzymes in dairy industries, and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria.

Her lab's interdisciplinary focus integrates microbiology, chemistry, and biotechnology, driven by collaborations in both academic and industrial sectors. Key themes include developing natural antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens and exploring microbial biodiversity for novel bioproducts.