معرفی
Triinu Visnapuu is an Associate Professor in Microbiology at the University of Tartu's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology. Her career at this institution includes roles as Research Fellow (2012-2018), Microbial Glycobiotechnology Researcher (2018-2020), and Associate Professor (2020-present), with fractional appointments indicating part-time status during transitional periods. She completed a postdoc at the Technical University of Denmark (2015-2018).
Education includes:
- PhD in Genetics (University of Tartu, 2012)
- MSc in Gene Technology (University of Tartu, 2007)
- BSc in Gene Technology (University of Tartu, 2005)
Her research integrates glycobiology, enzymology, and biotechnology, focusing on microbial enzymes (levansucrases, endo-levanases) for functional food ingredients and prebiotic synthesis. Work spans enzyme characterization, heterologous expression in bacterial/yeast systems, fructan applications, and biopolymer development. Current investigations explore biocontrol agents and enzyme engineering for sustainable technologies.
Research output demonstrates strong focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes, with recurring themes in fructan applications, enzyme structure-function relationships, and microbial biotechnology. Publications highlight innovative approaches to biocatalysis, biopolymer synthesis, and enzyme discovery from unconventional microbial sources.
Honors include:
- University of Tartu Badge of Distinction (2021)
- Best Paper Award - International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2020)
- ASM Young Ambassador Project Grant (2020)
- Multiple travel awards (FEMS, ASM)
- Poster prizes at international conferences
Supervised 4 Master's students in microbiology and glycobiotechnology. Secured funding as PI for projects including:
- Enzymatic production of novel prebiotics (PUT1050)
- Scale-up of levan production (PLTMRARENG13)
- Antiviral carbohydrate applications (COVSG7)
Leads microbiology courses (Microbiology I/II, Food Microbiology) and heads the Employees Professional Review Board. Member of FEMS Grant Committee (2018-2021), ASM Young Ambassador to Estonia (2018-2021), and participant in COST Actions CA18229 (Yeast4Bio) and CA18132 (GLYCONanoPROBES).
