Research laboratories

The Fungal Biodiversity and Biotechnology joint research Unit (BBF) has developed its own unique expertise within INRA and Aix-Marseille University in the utilization of fungi for the deconstruction and modification of lignocellulosic biomass and the adding-value to agro-industrial residues through fungal bioconversions. We are investigating the natural diversity of fungi and their enzymatic potential for the optimized deconstruction and / or reassembly of lignocellulosic biomass.

Our research activities are divided into two multidisciplinary fundamental research areas and a more applied approach.

Investigating lignocellulolytic fungal biodiversity
Fungal biodiversity studies at the taxonomic, functional and genomic levels are complemented with the CIRM-CF collection of filamentous fungi hosted in our laboratory which brings together nearly 1,500 strains, of which 80% are Basidiomycetes and 20% Ascomycetes, originating from temperate or tropical habitats or from agro-industrial sites. These strains, authenticated by their morphological characters and molecular markers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) are of important resource for taxonomic studies and screening functions of interest for green chemistry, food industry or agriculture.

Understanding lignocellulolytic enzymes
Through an integrated approach of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics (secretomics), we study the adaptability of lignocellulolytic filamentous fungi to particular substrates and to elucidate the diversity of secreted lignocellulolytic enzymes together with a knowledge of the structure, specificity and catalytic mechanisms of glycoside hydrolases, oxidoreductases and accessory proteins.

Knowledge transfer to industry
Through our fundamental knowledge above, we can guide and / or improve the use of filamentous fungi and lignocellulosic enzymes for biotechnological applications (e.g. biorefinery concepts, bioenergy, pulp and paper, animal feeds). Working with industry, we can employ our fungal strains in solid-state fermentation, bioconversion to produce active compounds for the cosmetic and food industries, high-throughput saccharification, screening of enzyme cocktails and their improvement, and the heterologous expression of selected enzymes.