Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology
Ghent University
Our research group studies bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, and their highly sophisticated proteins, including phage lysins and receptor-binding proteins. Driven by a fascination for their remarkable diversity, we investigate the evolutionary processes that shape these systems.
By combining fundamental insights with engineering approaches, we translate this knowledge into tailored antibacterial solutions to help address the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. To accelerate this process, we develop enabling technologies that support the rapid design and implementation of diverse therapeutic strategies for both human and veterinary health.
Research
Our main areas — see all
Bacteriophages
The most abundant biological entities on Earth, driving microbial evolution and inspiring targeted antibacterial strategies
We study their remarkable diversity and evolutionary dynamics to uncover principles of molecular interaction and develop targeted antibacterial strategies.
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Phage Lysins
Bacterial cell wall degrading enzymes with therapeutic potential
We engineer their modular architecture to create rapid-acting, precision antibacterials with a low probability of resistance development.
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Phage Receptor-Binding Proteins
Molecular recognition tools for precise bacterial targeting
We decode their specificity and modularity to engineer novel binding domains for precise bacterial detection and targeted antimicrobial applications.
Learn more →Methodologies
Our enabling technologies — see all
Synthetic Biology of Modular Proteins
Using the VersaTile method, we generate large combinatorial libraries to systematically screen and dissect the function of individual protein modules.
Protein Factory
Advanced infrastructure for production and purification of proteins, from standard strategies to advanced chromatography for highly pure preparations.
Phage Engineering
We engineer bacteriophages and tailocins by modifying RBPs and their modular domains to create platforms with tailored host ranges.
Automated Phage Evolution
Automated workflows to track evolutionary trajectories and select phage variants with improved fitness for therapeutic applications.
Open Source Databases
Open-access databases PhaLP and PhaRBP support the international research community with curated data on phage lytic proteins and receptor-binding proteins.
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