Elena Garcia Fruitos is a senior researcher at the Institute of Agrifood Research of Catalonia (IRTA) , specializing in ruminant production biotechnology . Her work focuses on leveraging bacterial inclusion bodies for biomedical applications, protein nanomaterials, and sustainable agrifood technology. Key Projects: Antibiotic residue degradation in milk, protein-based antimicrobial surfaces, and dry-off period optimization in dairy cows Research Themes: Protein self-assembly, inclusion body engineering, food-grade microbial production systems Her 2025-2022 publications highlight innovations in antimicrobial peptides, thermoplastic surface activation, milk waste valorization, and advanced protein delivery systems. Scientific Collaborations include multidisciplinary teams in bioengineering, veterinary medicine, and nanotechnology.
Sanna Sillankorva is a Staff Researcher and Principal Investigator at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), where she has pioneered bacteriophage-based antimicrobial strategies since joining in 2019. Her work focuses on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens through innovative delivery systems targeting biofilm populations, with applications in chronic wound care and otitis media treatment. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Minho (2009), with doctoral research conducted at the Universities of Oulu and Helsinki. She completed postdoctoral work at the Centre of Biological Engineering (University of Minho) and a research visit to MIT's Synthetic Biology group. From 2013-2018, she held an FCT Investigator position before joining INL as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow. Her research integrates microbiology , biomaterials science , and pharmaceutical technology to develop phage-lysing solutions against biofilm-associated infections. Key innovations include microneedle-based delivery platforms, liposomal encapsulation for transtympanic permeation, and biopolymer scaffolds for sustained antimicrobial release—addressing critical challenges in treating multidrug-resistant pathogens in wounds and ear infections. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic shift toward translational applications of phage therapy, with emphasis on delivery system engineering (microneedles, liposomes), biofilm-specific targeting , and combination therapies . Her work bridges fundamental virology with clinical needs, particularly in chronic wound management and pediatric otitis media—where biofilm persistence complicates conventional antibiotic treatments. Her scientific recognition includes: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship (COFUND-FP program) Scientific Employment Stimulus program award (2020.03171.CEECIND) Dr. Sillankorva has secured competitive funding for developing topical phage delivery systems for chronic wounds (Marie Curie COFUND-FP) and ongoing research on antimicrobial strategies (Scientific Employment Stimulus grant). She has authored over 75 research articles, edited two Phage Therapy books (ISBN: 978-1-0716-3522-3; 978-2-88945-789-2), and developed novel in vitro/ex vivo biofilm models for therapeutic evaluation. As a core member of the Bañobre Research Group at INL, she leads interdisciplinary collaborations integrating nanotechnology, microbiology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance phage-based antimicrobial solutions for clinical and food safety applications.
Dr. Simona Huwiler leads research at the University of Zurich's Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, focusing on predatory bacteria like Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus . Her work explores their mechanisms of killing pathogens, leveraging systems biology and synthetic approaches. Key projects include deciphering predatory proteomes, evolution of prey resistance, and engineering bacterial tools for antimicrobial applications. Funded by SNSF Ambizione, Novartis, and others, her lab collaborates widely. She advises master's and PhD students, publishes in top journals, and develops genetic toolboxes for B. bacteriovorus . Awards include the Novartis Young Investigator Grant and FAN Talent Fund. Education: Not explicitly stated, but research experience spans microbial systems and enzymology. Grants: SNSF Ambizione, Vontobel Foundation, UZH Innovation Grant. Research interests span microbial ecology, antimicrobial discovery, and biotechnological applications. Projects analyze predator-prey dynamics, protein secretion, and metabolic pathways. Her lab's tools enable genetic manipulation of B. bacteriovorus , advancing sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Labs/Teams: Huwiler Lab at UZH, collaborating with Kümmerli Lab and others.
Douwe VanSinderen is a Professor at the School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), and a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland. He has been a key figure in microbiome research, focusing on the genomics and molecular biology of beneficial gut microbes and bacteriophages. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications in food and health. BSc in Biochemistry, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (1988) MSc in Molecular Genetics, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (1990) PhD in Molecular Genetics, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (1994) His research centers on comparative and functional genomics of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria , particularly their interactions with the human host and their roles in gut health. He investigates how diet, especially human milk oligosaccharides, influences bifidobacterial colonization and activity. His lab also studies bacteriophages infecting dairy bacteria, aiming to develop anti-phage strategies for the food industry. Additional interests include anti-fungal compounds and phage-derived enzymes as novel antimicrobials. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in microbial genomics, host-microbe interactions, phage biology, and applications in probiotics and food safety. Keywords span microbiology, genomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology, with subfields including carbohydrate metabolism, immune modulation, CRISPR systems, and antimicrobial development. Notable scientific recognition includes: SFI Investigator Award (2003, renewed 2008 and 2014) Professor VanSinderen has secured over €11 million in research funding from competitive sources including Science Foundation Ireland, EU Framework Programmes, Department of Agriculture, and the Irish Research Council. He has served as coordinator and principal investigator on numerous national and international projects. He actively mentors students and has examined over 25 PhD theses internationally. He is a prolific reviewer, handling approximately 30 manuscripts annually for journals such as PNAS , Nature , and Journal of Bacteriology , and has served on grant review panels for major international funding bodies. He leads a dynamic research team within the APC Microbiome Ireland, a world-leading institute in gut microbiota research. His lab combines wet-lab molecular biology with advanced bioinformatics to explore microbial adaptation, phage resistance, and probiotic functionality. The team collaborates widely across Europe and with industry partners to translate findings into health and food applications.
Kim Payne serves as a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, where she has been a full-time teaching faculty member since 2015. Her academic foundation includes doctoral and postdoctoral training within the university's research ecosystem, with ongoing collaboration with the Hatfull Lab. Her educational trajectory: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, University of Pittsburgh (2011), supervised by Graham Hatfull Postdoctoral Studies, University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology with Paul Kinchington Dr. Payne's scholarly identity bridges Molecular Biology and Virology, with deep expertise in mycobacteriophage enzymology and Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 pathogenesis. Her research legacy centers on phage-derived enzymes that degrade bacterial cell walls, revealing novel mechanisms in microbial warfare. As an educator, she pioneers experiential learning through upper-level laboratory courses where students genetically engineer fluorescent reporter mycobacteriophages alongside the Hatfull Lab, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible research outcomes. Her publication record demonstrates sustained focus on mycobacteriophage structural biology, particularly the modularity and catalytic diversity of endolysins. These studies illuminate evolutionary adaptations in phage enzymes with implications for antibiotic alternatives, spanning molecular mechanisms of cell wall degradation to enzyme engineering frameworks. Through her Virology Lab course coordination, Dr. Payne cultivates next-generation scientists in advanced virological techniques while maintaining active research integration. Her mentorship extends beyond traditional advising into immersive laboratory instruction where students contribute directly to phage engineering projects. Based at L-06 Clapp Hall (4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh), she remains accessible via kim.payne@pitt.edu and (412) 624-0445 for academic collaboration.
Norberto Gonzalez-Juarbe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on viral infections' effects on cardiac and pulmonary systems, host-pathogen interactions, and antimicrobial resistance. He earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Texas Health San Antonio, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Research Interests: Pandemic viral infections and their impact on cardiac and pulmonary injury (e.g., influenza, SARS-CoV-2) Host-pathogen interactions in bacterial colonization and infections Development of endolysin-based therapies and vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae Role of cell death pathways (e.g., necroptosis) in immunity and pathogenesis Environmental particle exposure and microbiome-driven asthma onset Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and commensal-derived solutions Key Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, microbiome dynamics in asthma, and engineered phage therapies. Articles span virology, immunology, and synthetic biology. Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: Mentors graduate students like Nakia Fallen and Cody Conrad. Lab focuses on translational research in infectious diseases and microbiome impacts. Lab/Teams: The Gonzalez-Juarbe Lab investigates oncolytic viruses, microbiome-cardiovascular links, and novel antibacterial strategies, with collaborations in synthetic genomics and clinical microbiology.
Dr. Debabrata Biswas is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences and the Center for Food Safety and Security Systems (CFS3) at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on reducing foodborne pathogens like Salmonella , E. coli , and Campylobacter in food-producing animals and food processing environments. He develops vaccines, natural antimicrobial agents (e.g., plant-derived phenolics and probiotics), and alternative growth promoters for sustainable animal agriculture. His work integrates bacteriology, environmental microbiology, and food safety, with emphasis on zoonotic pathogens and their transmission dynamics in integrated crop-livestock systems. Key research areas include: Antimicrobial mechanisms of natural products and engineered probiotics Bacteriophage therapy for pathogen control Pre- and post-harvest food safety interventions Antibiotic resistance patterns in agricultural environments Host-pathogen interactions in animal reservoirs Dr. Biswas collaborates across disciplines (food science, biological engineering) to address food safety challenges. His laboratory investigates synbiotics (prebiotic-probiotic combinations) and metabolites from genetically modified Lactobacillus strains to combat enteric pathogens. Recent studies also explore rapid detection technologies for foodborne pathogens and the ecological impacts of integrated farming practices on microbial communities. He has advised numerous projects funded by USDA and industry partnerships, focusing on organic farming practices and sustainable production systems. His work contributes to policy recommendations for safer food supply chains and antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture.
Sílvio B Santos is an Invited Assistant Researcher at the Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, with a focus on bacteriophage research and biotechnological applications. He previously held postdoctoral and research positions at the same institution and contributed to projects like Phagevet-P, a European initiative exploring phage therapies as antibiotic alternatives in poultry production. PhD in Biological Engineering (2006–2010), University of Minho Master’s in Biotechnology (2000–2002), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança Bachelor’s in Biotechnology (1997–2000), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança His research spans bacteriophage genomics, endolysin characterization, and phage-based solutions for food safety, biofilm control, and pathogen detection. Key projects include developing predictive models for phage-host interactions and creating phage-derived assays for Salmonella and Campylobacter. Recent publications highlight his work on TPMS-reinforced composites (2025), phage-based diagnostics (2024), genomic analysis of Staphylococcus phages (2023), and advanced biofilm inhibition strategies (2021). Broader themes include microbiology, virology, and biotechnology.
Callum Cooper is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences, University of Sunderland , since 2018. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences with Biomedicine (2005, Lancaster University) , an MSc in Biomedical Science (2006, University of the West of England ), and a PhD in Bacteriophage Therapy (2011, Cardiff University) . His research focuses on Bacteriophages as alternatives to antibiotics for multidrug-resistant infections Basic bacteriophage biology and evolution Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms Biocide formulation and efficacy Bacterial biofilm control Cooper’s peer-reviewed work (15 most recent) spans phage genomics, infection kinetics, drug delivery systems, biocidal chemistry, and host-pathogen interactions. Key themes include phage therapy for respiratory infections , antibiotic alternatives , and environmental decontamination . He serves on editorial boards for the Journal of Applied Microbiology and Letters in Applied Microbiology , and is affiliated with the Society for Applied Microbiology and Microbiology Society .
Dr Tim Skvortsov is a Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast, focusing on bacteriophage-based antimicrobial research. His work combines experimental and computational approaches to develop phage-derived therapies against bacterial pathogens and biofilms. He leads projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, viromics, and microbial bioinformatics. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and environmental sustainability. Key Research Areas: Phage enzymes (endolysins, depolymerases) as antibacterial agents Phage therapy and synthetic biology applications Metagenomics/metatranscriptomics of microbial communities Horizontal gene transfer in biofilms Awards: QUB Proof of Principle Award 2023 (£10,000) Recent Projects: TRIPARTITE: SynBio in Phage Therapy for Pig Health (Co-Investigator) Activities: Dr Skvortsov actively participates in conferences (e.g., Health Tech Spring 2024), public engagement (NI Science Festival 2025), and peer review for journals like Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology . He supervises PhD students in areas such as phage genomics and biofilm engineering.
Jianfeng Jin is an Assistant Professor in the Oral Cell Biology department at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), where he conducts research on bone cell mechanobiology and regeneration. His work bridges dental science and fundamental cell biology. Dr. Jin's research centers on osteocyte mechanosensitivity, osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation pathways, and bone response to mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress. He investigates integrin-mediated signaling, mitochondrial dynamics in bone cells, and novel biomaterials for bone regeneration, with strong implications for orthodontics and dental implantology. His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal consistent focus on mechanical regulation of bone cells, including osteocyte mechanotransduction in tooth movement, fluid shear stress effects on pre-osteoblasts, and endolysin modulation of osteoclast formation. These studies employ in vitro models and advanced biomaterials, primarily targeting dental and skeletal regenerative applications. Dr. Jin collaborates extensively with ACTA researchers including Prof. Jenneke Klein-Nulend and Prof. P.A. Nolte, publishing in specialized journals such as Current Osteoporosis Reports and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
Ângela França is a Biologist (2007), Master in Clinical Biology (2009), and PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2013) from University of Minho and Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. She has held roles including Junior Investigator (2019-present), Postdoctoral Fellow (2015-2019), and Research Fellow (2014-2015) at the Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho. Her research focuses on Staphylococcus epidermidis virulence mechanisms, coagulase-negative staphylococci biofilms, and their roles in nosocomial infections. She currently teaches two courses at University of Minho and co-supervises 3 PhD students. Her work combines molecular microbiology, transcriptomics, and in vitro/ex vivo models to study bacterial pathogenesis. Key areas include biofilm formation dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and antibiotic tolerance. She has contributed to over 50 publications since 2014, with recent work highlighting phage interactions, bacterial vaginosis biofilms, and qPCR methodology improvements. No scientific awards explicitly stated in the text. Active in peer review for journals like Scientific Reports , Frontiers in Microbiology , and BMC Microbiology . Her lab focuses on translational research to combat resistant bacterial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients and neonates.
Neus Ferrer Miralles is a Research Professor at the Department of Genetics and Microbiology within the Faculty of Biosciences at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). She is affiliated with the Bio-fàrmacs innovadors Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine "Vicent Villar Palasi" (IBB) and serves as a Member of the Center for Network Biomedical Research on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) awarded in 1995. Her doctoral thesis focused on centromeric satellite DNA analysis in Drosophila and interactions with nuclear proteins. Professor Ferrer Miralles specializes in recombinant protein engineering, nanoparticle development, and bacterial expression systems. Her research focuses on creating protein-based nanoparticles for drug delivery applications, particularly for intranasal administration and targeting cancer stem cells. She has made significant contributions to understanding inclusion body formation in bacterial systems and developing methods for producing difficult-to-express proteins. Her publication record shows consistent productivity with over 126 research outputs, including articles, reviews, and book chapters. Recent work demonstrates expertise in antimicrobial peptides, endolysins for combating drug-resistant bacteria, and protein-based therapeutics for viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Her research bridges fundamental protein science with practical biomedical applications. She has led numerous research projects as Principal Investigator, including NANOENGINEERING HOST DEFENSE-BASED DRUGS INTO EFFICIENT DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR INTRANASAL ADMINISTRATION (2020-2023), Validación del uso de las proteinas M-SAA3 y MMP-9 (2017-2020), and Genotoxic nanoparticles targeting colorectal cancer stem cells (2014-2017). Professor Ferrer Miralles has supervised multiple students and researchers throughout her career, with 8 supervised works documented. Her collaborative network spans multiple institutions and countries, reflecting the international nature of her research in nanobiotechnology and protein engineering. She works closely with research teams focused on developing innovative drug delivery systems and exploring the biomedical applications of engineered proteins.
Dr. Jason L Brown is a Lecturer in Oral Sciences at the University of Glasgow Dental School, where he lectures across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate programs including BDS, Nursing, Microbiology, and serves as Programme Lead for the Oral Sciences postgraduate course since 2023/24. His academic journey began with a BSc (hons) in Biomedical Sciences from Durham University (2014), followed by an MPhil in Dental Microbiology from the University of Liverpool, and culminated in a PhD jointly from the Universities of Glasgow and the West of Scotland in 2018 with his thesis titled 'Cellular Responses in Oral Health and Disease'. Dr. Brown's research focuses on infection biology and microbiology, particularly investigating microbial and host-pathogen interactions in multi-kingdom biofilm infections. His work centers on novel antimicrobial interventions for biofilm control and profiling biofilms using advanced technologies, with emphasis on oral cavity and skin/wound infections. He utilizes various microbiological and immunological in vitro systems to study biofilm models in relevant physiological contexts. His research group actively investigates bacterial, fungal, and interkingdom biofilm models and host-pathogen interactions using organotypic co-culture systems. Analysis of Dr. Brown's recent publications reveals a strong focus on biofilm research across multiple environments, particularly examining Candida albicans interactions with oral bacteria, Raman spectroscopy applications for biofilm analysis, and novel antimicrobial approaches including cold atmospheric plasma therapy. His work spans both fundamental microbiology and clinical applications, with increasing attention to diabetic foot ulcers and their complex microbiomes. Dr. Brown serves as Chair for the Oral Microbiology and Immunology Group (the largest study group of the British Society of Dental Research), sits on the Editorial Board for Microbiology (Microbiology Society journal), and serves as Senior Editor (Deputy Editor-in-Chief) for Critical Reviews in Microbiology. He has supervised multiple BSc and MSc dissertation projects annually and has overseen the completion of three PhD projects as secondary supervisor. Currently, Dr. Brown is primary supervisor for three PhD students investigating wound biofilm therapies, Candida-albicans interactions, and Raman spectroscopy applications in biofilm profiling. His external collaborations include partnerships with the Universities of Bath and Lancaster on EPSRC-funded projects studying plasma technology to combat wound-related biofilms, and with the University of Strathclyde on collaborative PhD research.
Dr. Christopher Delaney serves as a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences within the Dental School at the University of Glasgow, where he maintains an active research program focused on microbial biofilms and oral microbiology. His academic work bridges clinical dentistry with fundamental microbiological research, particularly examining fungal-bacterial interactions in polymicrobial communities. Dr. Delaney's research interests center on microbial biofilm dynamics, with specialization in Candida species pathogenesis, interkingdom interactions, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. His laboratory employs multi-omics approaches including transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate host-pathogen relationships in oral and systemic infections, with particular emphasis on how biofilm heterogeneity influences disease outcomes and treatment efficacy. Current research initiatives include grants from Tenovus Scotland (2024-2026) examining the metagenomic profile of tonsil and oral flora in tonsillitis patients, and a British Endodontic Society project (2024-2027) analyzing endodontic lesions for targeted biofilm disruption strategies. These projects reflect his translational approach to developing clinical solutions for biofilm-related infections. Dr. Delaney supervises doctoral research, currently guiding Muhanna Ali M Alshehri's investigation of Candida albicans interactions with oral microorganisms. His educational contributions include implementing virtual laboratory simulations to enhance student engagement across undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, demonstrating his commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches in microbiology education.
