Mandic-Mulec lab
We are a Group of
Enthusiastic Scientists!
Whose aim is to understand the principles and mechanisms that guide bacterial intra / interspecies interactions in multicellular groups and their impact on mechanics, physiology and ecology of bacterial biofilms.
The recent emphasis is on the role of quorum sensing and kin discrimination and the impact of these behaviours in heterogenous groups on associations and segregations of genotypes, gene transfer and production of secreted products (enzymes, polysacharides, toxins/antibiotics).
We use environmental isolates of Bacillus as model organisms and apply a broad set of methodologies (cultivation of microbes, strain engineering, confocal microscopy, fluorimeter based analyses, rheology, cell sorting, microfluidics and other analytical methods) to study their interactions.
Recent interest also include interactions between Bacillus isolates and plants (e.g. Arabidopsis, tomato, potato) and between potential probiotic (Bacillus) and a pathogen (e.g. Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Typhimurium).
Research
In the last 20 years, our team collectively contributed to the field of microbial ecology and physiology of bacteria. Learn more about our research program group and specific research projects
Research program microbiology and Biotechnology of food and environment
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Microbial interactions as a basis for bio-control of Campylobacter jejuni
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Mechanisms and consequences of Bacillus-Salmonella interactions in biofilms
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Development of microflow systems for bacterial cell analysis, selection and application
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Horizon2020 - Chair Of Micro Process Engineering and Technology – COMPETE
Investigations of cell-cell communications in multi cellular groups composed of different Bacillus isolates
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The role of social and genetic kin discrimination on B. subtilis interactions
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Investigations of bacterial social interactions in biotechnologically and medically important microbial biofilms
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Metagenomics for bioexploration and biomining of bacterial laccases for a sustainable environment
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Ecology of social interactions in Bacillus subtilis
“ The New Approach to Microbiology.”
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to learn more about bacterial social interactions, their ecology and application of this knowledge in biotechnology.
Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, our newest equipment and the expertise of our enthusiastic team can make all the difference.
Bachelor, Master & Doctoral Study Programme in Biosciences.
SCHEDULE A VISIT
Take a 30-minute tour of our lab to help you decide if you will pursue our studies. You’ll have the opportunity to try our equipment, observe classes, and get direct answers to all of your questions.
Meet our Team
Group Leader/ Prof. dr. Ines Mandić-Mulec
Doc. dr. Iztok Dogša
Asist. dr. Polonca Štefanič
Doc. dr. Tjaša Danevčič
Doc. dr. Barbara Kraigher
Technician, Simona Leskovec
Asist. dr. Eva Kovačec
PhD. Student Katarina Belcijan
PhD. Student Mihael Špacapan
PhD. Student Maja Bolješić
PhD. Student Andi Erega
Prof. dr. David Stopar