A new approach in the identification of microorganisms in environmental and clinical matrices for routine microbiology laboratories
Project title
A new approach in the identification of microorganisms in environmental and clinical matrices for routine microbiology laboratories
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK) in Toruń
Name of programme
National programme
Competition
Tango V
Project value
PLN 208,616.00
Funding value
PLN 208,616.00
Project delivery period
from 1 June 2022 to 31 August 2023
Meet our team
Dr hab. Paweł Pomastowski, Prof. of the UMK – Research Team Leader
Dr hab. Aleksandra Radtke, Prof. of the UMK and Dr hab. Piotr Piszczek, Prof. of the UMK – specialists in CVD/ALD
Mgr Ewelina Sibińska – specialist in MALDI
Mgr Grażyna Czeszewska-Rosiak sample preparation specialist
Dr Michał Złoch – microbiologist
Dr hab. Małgorzata Szultka-Młyńska – separation techniques specialist
Dr Gulyiam Sagandykowa – engineering technician
Dr Aleksandra Florkiewicz – engineering technician
Dr Joanna Rudnicka – administration and procurement specialist
What problem does our project solve?
Rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms is one of the most effective ways to reduce the damage caused by infections, assess the microbiological safety of food and production lines and search for new strains for commercial applications. Microbial detection techniques currently used in routine laboratory practice have numerous drawbacks, such as labour- and time-consuming, high cost and low specificity. In addition, the emergence of new, previously unknown species of microorganisms necessitates continuous changes to existing laboratory protocols. Therefore, in recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on the search for advanced, reliable and at the same time rapid methods for the detection of microorganisms, which can also be easily and quickly modified for the type of sample tested and the purpose of the analyses carried out (rapid detection in the material, in-depth identification, assessment of drug resistance, in-depth characterisation of enzymatic properties). The aim of the project was to develop an implementation strategy for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) and/or nanostructure-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (NALDI) and/or laser desorption/ionisation (LDI) with capillary electrophoresis in routine microbiological analyses and to share experience in microbiological research through the implementation of this project.
Who will benefit from the project's results?
Industries interested in cooperating in microbiological research:
- food industry
- dairy industry
- petrochemical industry
- wastewater treatment plants
- medical diagnostic laboratories
- veterinary medicine and agronomy
Details: microldi.umk.pl
What was the biggest challenge for us in implementing the project?
The greatest challenge we faced during the project was working with business partners to adapt to the expectations and administrative capabilities of a public university. The project required advanced coordination and integration of the activities of the various parties, which posed considerable difficulty in administrative and logistical terms.
On the one hand, we had to cope with the specific technological and scientific requirements related to the implementation of advanced microbial detection methods such as LDI-MALDI and NALDI, which are key to achieving the project objectives. On the other, the administrative procedures of a public university, often related to budgetary restrictions and legal regulations, required flexibility and close cooperation with all economic partners.
Despite these challenges, thanks to our perseverance and project management skills, we were able to achieve our goals, successfully implementing state-of-the-art microbial detection methods and contributing to advances in the field of microbiology.
Our advice to other Applicants
Our advice to other Applicants is as follows: applying for projects to the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) is definitely worth the effort, despite the adversities encountered. Obtaining funding to develop research can open up many opportunities, but requires commitment and determination. It is also crucial to build strong relationships with the business community, which can significantly affect the success of a project. Cooperation with external partners and flexible adaptation to administrative requirements are invaluable. It is worth striving to the end and not being discouraged by difficulties – it brings tangible benefits and contributes to ambitious research goals.