Manage, evaluate and improve the implementation of laboratory procedures and logistics aimed at achieving the objectives of the Project “Screening the collection of undomesticated sporeformers of the Microbial Development Laboratory, for antagonists of Clostridium perfringens”. Analyze and manage the resulting information, reporting of activities and periodically report progress in project implementation. Train and Co-supervise one research fellow.

Use molecular biology and genetics in functional analysis of the genome of bacterial strains. Specifically, I dedicated to the identification and characterization of genes responsible for some of the most important characteristics and biotechnological applications of a gastrointestinal isolate of Bacillus subtilis, including genes involved in robust biofilm formation, efficient sporulation or production of antimicrobial compounds. The genome of this strain was sequenced and patented with my… Show more Use molecular biology and genetics in functional analysis of the genome of bacterial strains. Specifically, I dedicated to the identification and characterization of genes responsible for some of the most important characteristics and biotechnological applications of a gastrointestinal isolate of Bacillus subtilis, including genes involved in robust biofilm formation, efficient sporulation or production of antimicrobial compounds. The genome of this strain was sequenced and patented with my participation and the study will increase our understanding of the biology of microbial species that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and at the same time serve as basis for its fundamental application on biotechnology and biomedicine. The strain was named BSP1 for BacillusSporeProbiotic nº1. Show less

Sequencing and patenting the genome of a gastrointestinal isolate of Bacillus subtilis.Patent: Adriano O. Henriques, Cláudia A. R. Serra and Ghislain Schyns. 2008. New probiotic strain, where the genome comprises a polynucleotide encoding a protein involved into probiotic behaviour, useful in the production of animal feed, functional food, and non-food preparations: Patent Application WO2008110325-A2; WO2008110325-A3. DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, DSM IP ASSETS B.V..

Isolate and characterize a diverse collection of sporulating bacteria, through techniques of microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, to provide the first scientific evaluation of bacterial spores as probiotics, establishing the basis of how spores suppress a pathogen and how they can function as an alternative to antibiotics. Project QLK5-CT-2001-01729 “Spore Probiotics: An Alternative to Antibiotics. EU-5th Framework Programme: SporeBiotics”.

Analyse the efficacy of different fructo-oligosaccharides in reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens, by using general microbiology and animal testing techniques. Former Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID- Lelystad), nowadays part of the Wageningen UR Livestock Research

Analyse various performance indicators (growth rate, feed conversion ratio), morbidity and mortality obtained in pigs fed with a diet containing or not antimicrobial growth promoters. Project: Antimicrobial Growth Promoters on Pig Production: Long term effects of feeding both antimicrobials and high copper levels or none, and their withdrawal in-between, on pigs performance from weaning to slaughter in a very healthy herd. Former Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID- Lelystad)… Show more Analyse various performance indicators (growth rate, feed conversion ratio), morbidity and mortality obtained in pigs fed with a diet containing or not antimicrobial growth promoters. Project: Antimicrobial Growth Promoters on Pig Production: Long term effects of feeding both antimicrobials and high copper levels or none, and their withdrawal in-between, on pigs performance from weaning to slaughter in a very healthy herd. Former Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID- Lelystad), nowadays part of the Wageningen UR Livestock Research Show less