GRUPO DE BIOLOGÍA FUNCIONAL DE BACTERIAS LÁCTICAS (BFBL)

Grupo BFBL

Group members

Research Staff

  • Carmen Peláez.
  • Teresa Requena.
  • Carmen Martínez.

Contracted Research Staff

  • Beatriz Solo de Zaldívar

Technical Staff

  • Esteban Sáez

Research Summary

Logo BFBL

For years now, the Group has focused its activities on the characterization of lactic bacteria metabolic functions and the applicability for improving the technology of fermented foods. We have worked on the development of strategies to enhance and accelerate the cheese ripening process, optimize the production of cheese aroma, or prevent technological problems in dairy products, by means of applicable biological systems without legal restrictions. We have studied their mechanisms of action to provide scientific bases for their applicability. Many times, our study has been carried in collaboration with the industry to facilitate transfer and value enhancement.

Over the last years, the Group has developed specific molecular biology techniques for detecting and studying the functionality of probiotic bacteria of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. Functional characterization of lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria, has allowed determining their metabolic advantages towards poorly digestible substrates that reach the colon intact (prebiotic) and from which metabolites beneficial for the organism are obtained. The interaction between these bacteria, their metabolites, and the intestinal epithelium has been studied using human cell lines.

Since the beginning of 2011, the Group has led the scientific-technical design and installation of a Dynamic Gastrointestinal Simulation System (SIMGI) in the CIAL. The interest of the Group is focused on studying models of intestinal microbiota associated to obesity, assessment of the interaction between microbiota and gut mucosa, and modulation of this microbiota through the diet.

Highlighted publications