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Microorganisms and Biotechnology

Microorganisms and Biotechnology

Research in microbiology and biotechnology covers a wide range of topics and applications that exploit microorganisms to support sustainable development and the production of value-added products. The biotechnology industry has a highly skilled workforce.

Our research teams are working to improve public health and help the environment. Biological control, optimization of bioremediation processes, biocatalytic synthesis of pharmaceutical and agro-food compounds, biomass conversion, and the development of new ways to treat microbial infections are just a few examples of research projects being conducted at INRS.

We are also investigating how microorganisms function, evolve, and communicate; at a time when antibiotic resistance is a global health issue, these studies have become critical in the fight against pathogens.

Environmental microbiology

This field of research includes everything related to insect pest control (e.g., emerald ash borer), food safety, biodegradation of pollutants, geomicrobiology, and fecal contamination monitoring in surface waters

Bacterial dynamics

How do microorganisms adapt to their ecosystem? How do they colonize surfaces and environments? Intercellular communication, mobility, and biofilm formation are some of the phenomena being studied to better understand microorganism dynamics and develop new pathogen control solutions.

Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology covers many fields of application: agriculture, wastewater treatment, and the forestry and by-products industries. Whether developing enzymes capable of effectively degrading persistent pollutants or converting plant carbohydrates into green energy, our teams excel at developing industrial and environmental bioprocesses.