The Centre for Microbial Innovation
Bringing together expertise in microbiology, metabolomics, chemistry, food and wine science, process engineering and bioinformatics.
The Centre for Microbial Innovation (CMI) brings together a broad group of University of Auckland researchers with expertise in the ecology, function, and practical application of microbial systems and processes.
The CMI has the unique ability to develop specific microbial products, processes and diagnostics.
Applications include food innovations and additives, food and beverage processing and fermentation, wastewater treatment process prediction and enhancement, environmental assessment and monitoring, and biomedical applications.
The CMI is supported by leading edge technical facilities in genomics and proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics and microfabrication.
Research Expertise
Microbial Ecology and Physiology: Understanding the nature, function and behaviour of microorganisms in populations and communities to allow effective management and use of microbial capabilities >>>
Molecular Genomics: Discovering the genetic potential of microorganisms. The CMI has expertise, infrastructure, and a bioinformatics platform to elucidate, interpret and apply genome information >>>
Metabolic Engineering: Elucidating and understanding metabolic processes within complex microbiological systems and using that insight to modify processes within organisms and applications >>>
Microbial Characterization and Biodiscovery: Investigating capabilities of Archaea, Bacteria, yeast and fungi for use in areas such as bioenergy, bioprocessing and raw material conversion >>>
Molecular Plant Pathology: Determining the causes of plant diseases and molecular characterisation of plant pathogens, and development of plant pathogen detection and control measures >>>
Research Applications
Food Innovation: The CMI can assist with process evaluation to ensure consistent quality, and help with development of natural colours, flavours and additives and innovative processing methods >>>
Wine Science: The CMI has an advanced understanding of flavour production by bacteria and yeast, and expertise in identification and breeding of new and improved yeasts for wine production >>>
Environmental: The CMI can provide expert research and advice on microbial aspects of water and stream quality, and identification and biocontrol approaches for biosecurity and management of plant diseases >>>
Industrial: The CMI is improving understanding of wastewater treatment systems, leading to process prediction and enhancement tools, and investigating methods for resource recovery from waste >>>
Biomedical: The CMI has expertise in investigation of virulence and infection processes, and development of antimicrobial agents and microbe-resistant surfaces, leading to potential new treatments and vaccines >>>