Projects

The Microbial Biotechnology Division is currently involved in several research projects, including enzyme development and the discovery of new therapeutic compounds. In addition, we are developing probiotic strains with potential benefits for human health.

Development of beneficial probiotics for human consumption

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. In Bangladesh, the concept of probiotics is closely linked to the long-standing consumption of traditional fermented foods such as curd (doi), fermented rice (panta bhat), and other indigenous products, which are commonly associated with digestive health. Although the scientific foundation of probiotics was established in the early 20th century, recent advances in microbial biotechnology have expanded their application in human health. Bangladesh continues to face a high burden of gastrointestinal infections, malnutrition, and widespread antibiotic use, contributing to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Probiotics offer a promising, non-antibiotic strategy to improve gut health, enhance immune function, and reduce the incidence and severity of diarrheal diseases. Scientific evidence supports their role in maintaining gastrointestinal balance, strengthening immune responses, and potentially contributing to metabolic and mental health through modulation of the gut microbiota.

The global probiotics market is rapidly expanding; however, in Bangladesh, most probiotic products are imported and based on non-indigenous strains. Such products may not be optimally adapted to local dietary habits, environmental conditions, or gut microbiota profiles. This highlights the need to develop probiotics from indigenous microbial sources to ensure improved efficacy, safety, and affordability. Despite growing interest, challenges remain in ensuring quality control, safety validation, and regulatory oversight of probiotic products in Bangladesh. Strengthening research on locally derived probiotic strains and establishing evidence-based standards are essential for advancing public health, supporting functional food development, and promoting sustainable biotechnology innovation in the country.

Multi Omics Profiling of Soil Microbes of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh and Characterization of Antimicrobial Compounds

The project aims to explore the microbial diversity of soil from the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest using integrated multi-omics approaches, including metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. By analyzing the genetic and functional potential of microbial communities, the study seeks to identify novel microorganisms and biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for the production of antimicrobial compounds. Isolated microbes and their metabolites will be further characterized through biochemical and molecular analyses to evaluate their potential as sources of new antimicrobial agents for combating drug-resistant pathogens. This research will contribute to understanding the unique microbial ecology of mangrove ecosystems while supporting the discovery of natural products with pharmaceutical relevance. 🧬🌿