The Microbial Engineering Platform harnesses the power of microorganisms to develop sustainable bioprocesses and bio-based products. By combining synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and systems biology, the platform focuses on converting renewable biomass and industrial residues into high-value chemicals, fuels, and biopolymers.

Our research integrates genome-scale modeling, pathway optimization, and advanced fermentation technologies to fine-tune microbial systems. By engineering robust microbial strains with enhanced tolerance and productivity, we aim to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for industrial biotechnology.

Dr. Valiei’s research focuses on microbial interactions and their responses to environmental factors such as fluid flow, mechanical forces, and surface characteristics, with broad implications for health and sustainability. His current work centers on developing microfluidic in vitro models of the human microbiome, including the gut microbiome, to study their dynamic behavior. He is also investigating how microbial communities can be harnessed for sustainable mineral extraction, with particular emphasis on resource recovery and critical materials.

_Prof. Gil Garnier

• Waste-to-value Conversion – engineering microbes to transform paper mill residues into bioplastics and biofuels.
• Tailored microbial consortia – designing synthetic microbial communities to optimize lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
• Next-gen biofactories – constructing engineered yeast strains for efficient production of nutraceuticals and therapeutic compounds.