Laboratory of Applied Microbiology

Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Current Research

FFC

 

We are currently studying two aspects of the FFC Technology water treatment system produced by the Akatsuka Co., Ltd., Japan.  First, FFC Technology enhances plant growth and stress resistance.  In a number of experiments, using radish, Shirona (a Japanese green) and soybean plants, we have shown the FFC increases plant size and improves drought resistance.  The primary mechanism is thought to be the addition of micronutrients.  We  are also studying the ability of FFC to inhibit bacterial attachment to surfaces.  FFC inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa attachment to titanium alloys, which are widely used in the medical, dental, and aerospace industries.

Early Detection and Quantification of Fungal Growth on Surfaces

 

Fungi attack many heritage materials, including those composed of paper, textiles and synthetic polymers.  Fungal growth occurs when items are stored under conditions of high temperature and humidity leads to fungal deterioration.  We are currently adapting a fluorometric assay for use in early detection and quantification of fungal growth on cultural heritage materials.  In the assay, fungal chitinases cleave the fluorochrome from N-acetylglucosamine and fluorescence is correlated with fungal biomass.  The method is inexpensive, rapid, easy to use, and has extremely low detection limits. 

Enzymatic Removal of Red Staining from Stone

 

Many marble statues, facades, and monuments throughout Europe and North America suffer from unsightly red stains.  The cause of the staining is the subject of intense discussion.  In some instances the staining is likely caused by the presence of the red lead oxide minium.  In other cases the cause may be microbial.  We isolated and identified a pigmented microorganism from the surface of Isamu Noguchi’s Slide Mantra in Bayfront Park, Miami, FL.  Analysis of the pigmented microrganism’s ribosomal gene identified it as Serratia marcescens and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified the pigment as a prodigiosin.  Upon exposure to the enzyme laccase the pigment extract was completely decolorized.  This enzyme could be used to remediate the surfaces of Slide Mantra and other stone objects where the cause of red staining is microbial.