Research Activities

Research Associated with the Culture Collection

The research associated with the IEGM Collection is focussed on the study and preservation of the diversity of alkanotrophic bacteria important in human and ecosystem functioning.

Current projects include:

• taxonomic studies aimed at improving the classification and identification of alkanotrophic microorganisms including the development of molecular based techniques;
• ecological studies involving improvement of methods for the effective isolation of alkanotrophic microorganisms from natural environment;
• the study on biodiversity;
• development of methods for effective preservation and long-term storage of collection cultures.

The Regional Specialised Collection of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms works in close contact with the World Federation for Culture Collections.

Fundamental and Applied Research

The IEGM Collection Laboratory also works closely with organisations in Russia and other parts of the world on basic and applied aspects of rhodococcal research. These include projects on:

• the study of the structural and functional adaptation of rhodococci under induced conditions of alkanotrophic metabolism including:

  • qualitative and quantitative content of extracellular amino acids,
  • antibiotic susceptibility,
  • fatty acid composition,
  • cell surface structures,
  • cell ultrastructure,
  • antigenic properties;

• adaptation strategies used by rhodococci for survival in different ecological niches;
• the study of responses of alkanotrophic bacteria  introduced to natural environments;
• development of in situ immunofluorescent microscopic detection to assess the diversity of rhodococci in natural habitats;
• the potential use of rhodococci in biotechnologies such as bioremediation and the production of biosurfactants and other important biochemicals;
• the study of antimicrobial and pathogenic properties of Rhodococcus bacteria.