Microbiome analysis, biosensors, antibiotic resistance, water microbiology
Theme 1 - Measuring
Keen to perform field experiments (long and secure experience in field experimentation in Cyprus in the areas of agrifood and environment) in either urban or agricultural ground water for microbiome analysis, antibiotic resistance profiling via classic microbiology and molecular tools (PCR, Sanger Sequencing and NGS).
We can also introduce biosensing methodology developed for pesticide and pathogen detection.
The Cyprus University of Technology is the leading university in Cyprus with the highest score in Times Higher Education evaluations among all Cypriot and Greek universities. The University was established to provide leading education in the technological fields (agriculture, food, environment, biotechnology, engineering, arts, communication, maritime economics and other). The Agricultural Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science is one of the largest research group of the University and the only in this scientific field in Cyprus. It is actively engaging in microbial biodiversity and ecology investigations in agroindustrial fermentations. Next Generation Sequencing technologies are used as a tool for these explorations as well as new approach for authenticating food products (microbiome fingerprinting). The group also engages in exploring biosafety problems in the food chain starting from the farm, such as mycotoxins and human pathogens on fresh fruits and vegetables, to the final processed products. Additionally, Dr Tsaltas team works on biosensors development, food innovation and new product development. Through this extensive and deep analytical capacity the group offers an array of services to the local food, agriculture, pharma and biomedical industry through consultation and analytical methods unique in Cyprus for various microbiology issues (microbial IDing, microbial genotyping, detection of microbes etc). The group has an extensive proven experience in nationally, regional and EU funding schemes as well as industrial funding with wide array of good collaborators in Cyprus and abroad. Good publication record is also available.