Background

Research at Ca Foscari Venice University is focused on understanding what constitutes a “healthy” microbiome in terms of composition, function, and, particularly, physiology. It is fundamental to study bacterial physiology and activity in a community as only live, undamaged bacterial cells can produce metabolites. This research expertise has been fundamental to establishing a novel method for studying the viable/active fraction of the human microbiome, from studying the assembly and dynamics of a new bacterial community to how microbes collaborate and compete in the community. The area of research also explores how a “healthy” and active microbiome is essential to fight pathogens, prevent the development of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer, and respond to immuno-therapy to fight cancer.

Technology Overview

Traditional and advanced microbiology technologies coupled with multi-omics approach (metagenomics, metabolomics, culturomics) in order to study and visualize the assembly and dynamics of “healthy” and “unhealthy” bacterial communities in response to external perturbation (diet, drugs, prebiotics).

Stage of Development

The stage of the research and study of a “healthy microbiome” in terms of assembly, stability and discovery of new species is in the discovery stage.

Some of the tools developed to study bacterial physiology are being applied in clinical studies.

Benefits

More accurate
Identifies more features
Identifies new features
Readout of quantitative data
Innovative discoveries

Applications

Applied to study:

Effects of prebiotics
Effects of probiotics
Drugs microbiome perturbation
Microbiome drug-response

Opportunity

Looking for opportunities in terms of collaboration to develop new projects/technology

Dynamics of a "Healthy" Viable Microbiome to Prevent Diseases

IP Status

Seeking