Title: Biosciences
Credits:
read more »Biodiscovery and Bioprospecting of Bioactive Components in Natural Resources.
Advanced cultivation methods of plants, microalgae and fungi are developed to encourage these living entities to produce high concentrations of bioactive compounds which benefit human health. These compounds are removed from the plants, microalgae and fungi using state-of-the-art extraction methods developed by our scientists. They are then purified and tested using high-tech analytical equipment in our research laboratories. We work closely with companies to develop new health, food and cosmetic products containing these bioactive compounds. Bioscience research in the Department is also supported by the Shannon ABC Technology Gateway which is a nationally funded and industry engaged research centre which develops new processes and products from bio-resources and provides solutions and discoveries to biotech and life science industries. Shannon ABC identifies innovative ingredients and biological products from natural resources using novel state of the art processes to obtain lead molecules for applications across a range of sectors including but not limited to food & drink, healthcare, cosmetics, agriculture, marine, nutraceutical, bio/pharma.
Title: Cell and Molecular Biology
Credits:
read more »The CHIMERA research group has demonstrated research excellence in all forms of microbial cell factory research including traditional microbial substrates (bacteria, yeast and fungi) but also in microalgal and cyanobacterial as well as tissue culture and mammalian cell culture technologies. The search for novel biologically active compounds which can act as lead compounds for the development is an ongoing process for multinational biotechnological industries. One of the most important sources of these novel biologically active compounds or secondary metabolites are microbes. For example one of the most important sources of these novel biologically active pharmaceutical compounds or secondary metabolites are microbes which produce a multitude of low molecular weight bioactive compounds.
Title: Environmental Monitoring & Management
Credits:
read more »- Climate change analysis, the identification of greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration (mitigation) opportunities.
- The development of analytical methods for pollution control monitoring, wastewater treatment management and control, bio-monitoring and sensor technology for air, water and soil ecosystems. Soil science & CO2 sequestration. Greenhouse gas emission monitoring. Development of conservation & management strategies of freshwater fish resources in Ireland. Wetland ecology conservation & management, including analysis of bio-geofunctional factors.
Title: Forensic Drug Analysis
Credits:
read more »Development of Analytical Methods for the analysis of new Drugs in Forensic Cases such as: Drugs in Sport, Driving under the Influence of Drugs, and Faster Analysis of Existing Drugs.
Title: Pharmaceutical Analysis
Credits:
read more »Development & Validation of Analytical Methods for the Pharmaceutical Industry, with the aim of increasing efficiency of QC Analysis on Drug Formulations.
Title: Plant Science
Credits:
read more »Research of the Controlled Environment Laboratory for Life Sciences (CELLS) group focuses on the development of novel hydroponic and aeroponic plant growth technologies for applications in human health, agriculture, horticulture, brewing and Space Life Science. CELLS utilises four custom-built environmental growth chambers that allow for tightly controlled environmental growth conditions for plant-based studies. Research activity within the group leverages expertise in controlled environment agriculture (employing hydroculture and soil-based cultivation techniques) for investigation into areas such as crop sustainability and food security, biofortification, impact of naturally-derived biostimulants for food production, and enhancement of nutritional capacity and health-promoting bioactive profiles.