Our lab brings together the disciplines of microbiology, biochemistry, and protein engineering. We delve into the molecular mechanisms that drive the evolution of new enzymatic functions, with a particular focus on substrate specificity. Our research explores how enzymes influence microbial signaling molecules, playing crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication.

We investigate enzymes that can degrade these signaling molecules, effectively terminating signals to reset communication systems and prevent overactivation. For example, enzymes like lactonases can degrade AHLs, disrupting quorum sensing and reducing bacterial virulence.

Moreover, enzymes are pivotal in interactions between different microbial kingdoms, such as bacteria and fungi. They influence the production and modification of signaling molecules that mediate these interactions, affecting processes like symbiosis, competition, and pathogenicity.

Our commitment is to unravel the complex relationships of these enzymes within microbial communities. By doing so, we aim to develop innovative strategies for managing a range of microbial diseases.

Enzymes' catalytic efficiency and specificity can be harnessed into tangible, environment-friendly solutions for improving human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. However, their stability and durability remain significant challenges that we aim to overcome. Explore our publications to learn more about our discoveries on enzymes acting as microbial communication disrupters, their potential as antimicrobial strategies, and tailoring enzymes for the degradation of xenobiotics such as pesticides and plastic. Our research delves into using enzymes in agricultural applications to enhance crop productivity and protect against pests, as well as in environmental applications to break down pollutants and reduce waste. Additionally, we focus on the potential of enzymes in plastic degradation for recycling, aiming to develop sustainable methods to tackle plastic pollution.