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Staff in Bioscience carry out research in both applied and fundamental aspects of the biological sciences in the broad areas of Biomedical and Bioprocess Microbiology, Molecular Bioscience and Food Science.
Biomedical and Bioprocess Microbiology covers 4 research themes:
- Strathclyde Fermentation Centre uses a variety of techniques to monitor submerged culture processes of animal and microbial cells with a view to improving our understanding of cell physiology in bioreactor systems. The overall aim is to use this knowledge to develop improved formation of valuable products (recombinant proteins etc.) or better control of pathogens. There is special expertise in image analysis and the application of Near and Mid Infrared Spectroscopy to the monitoring and control of fermentation processes.
- Research into the microbiological safety of foods has led to the development of complementary or alternative pulsed-power electro-technologies (jointly with the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde University) for the inactivation of problematic microorganisms in foodstuffs, water, pharmaceuticals or in the hospital environment. Research into conditions that influence the survival or expression of virulence factors in potentially pathogenic microbes is an integral part of the program.
- Environmental microbiology focuses on landfill gas and the environmental impacts of landfilling, e.g. how soil cover influences refuse degradation. Ammonia production is a particular problem and removal of ammonia from landfills has been tested at laboratory-, pilot- and, now, field-scale.
- Microbial physiology encompasses a number of topics including microenzyme production in thermophilic fungi; modelling of metabolic events in industrial organisms; the therapeutic uses of bacteriophage; and electrical properties of components of the cell skeleton.
Molecular Bioscience research has 5 strands:
- Molecular Toxicology is concerned with a group of enzymes known as aldo-keto reductases which are involved in detoxication pathways and drug metabolism. They also are also implicated in the onset of some cancers and other disease processes.
- Glycobiology focuses on a glycoprotein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), which in present in serum. Levels of AGP increase and change in structure, in response to certain diseases. AGP may have a role in immunomodulation and in drug binding.
- Oxidative Stress, which is involved in diseases such as atherosclerosis. Oxidative damage to lipids is implicated and we have developed an informative method for analysing specific oxidized lipids. The involvement of the immune system in contributing to oxidative stress in inflammatory conditions is also being studied.
- Molecular Signalling, which investigates molecular mechanisms involved in signal transduction by certain neuropeptides with important roles in the central nervous system, as well as immune and gastrointestinal systems.
- Molecular Microbiology, which focuses on how bacteria make antibiotics and the signals that switch synthesis on. There is also a drug discovery element of this research, generating new structures of potential therapeutic use.
Research in Food Science is concerned with flavour and texture of foods, their origins in the raw materials and processing, and their perception by consumers and effects on the consumer's ideas of food quality. The work concentrates on alcoholic beverages, cheeses, fruits and fruit products.
Research activities are well supported by industry (>50%), BBSRC, DoE, Wellcome Trust, EU and a number of charities.
Department of Bioscience
Royal College Building
University of Strathclyde
204 George Street
Glasgow G1 1XW
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