Category: Projects

Lev Aleksandr Kolesnikov, MSc student in Food Technology and Development, defended his thesis “Effect of simulated microgravity on yeast growth”. In his thesis, Lev investigated, in a three-dimensional clinostat, how simulated microgravity affects microorganisms, especially their phenotype, morphology, transcriptomics and gene regulation. Simulated microgravity was originally developed to replicate space-like conditions, although it cannot completely mimic space-like conditions, as extraterrestrial conditions also involve other contributing factors, such as radiation. It is, nevertheless, a good alternative for investigating space-like conditions in situations where true space experiments are not possible, and the technology is now evolving even beyond as a new method to alter physiological function in a non-invasive way to alter pathways relevant to health and industry.

The topic is of interest because it is known that the virulence of some microorganisms and the fermentation speed increase in microgravity. As microorganisms are an essential part of the human microbiome, understanding how they react, for example, during long space travels, provides valuable information for human health. The work was conducted in collaboration with Litegrav OÜ and supervised by Prof. Petri-Jaan Lahtvee and Srdjan Gavrilovic.

Bioengineering laboratory had the honour of welcoming the president of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, and his delegation to its premises.

According to Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, the laboratory’s associate professor, this visit allowed us to present the biotechnology advancements and innovations that take place in the laboratory. Furthermore, it was possible to present how automation is being implemented through projects.

This visit marks an endorsement of Estonian science and biotechnology. We are delighted to see that biotechnology is valued on the national level.

Photo by Enriko Pedaksalu.

First, the team engaged in canoeing alongside the Keila River, making their clothes wet and spirits warm.

In the afternoon seminar, the team outlined plans for the upcoming academic year, introduced harassment and bullying guidelines and engaged in an open workshop on AI in scientific advancements.

Alīna Reķēna took part in Yeast Genetics and Genomics course, from July 22 to August 12 at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA

The legendary yeast course at CSHL, with more than 50 years of history, offered lectures on the fundamentals of yeast genetics, daily seminars from leaders in the yeast community, and 10 laboratory experiments that showcase the methods needed in a modern-day yeast lab.

Lecture topics included yeast cell cycle, tetrad analysis, genetic interactions, genome sequencing, imaging and functional genomics.

The yeast community has pioneered many of molecular and genetic techniques we rely on today. The goal of experimental section was to provide with sufficient hands-on experience apply these techniques in our own laboratories – from classical and modern genetic approaches (mutant isolation and characterisation, tetrad analysis, complementation), to molecular genetics (yeast transformation, gene replacement, gene fusion and mutation), as well as use of the yeast deletion set, multiplex deep sequencing, cytological approaches (epitope tagging), and yeast cell imaging.

Many thanks to fellow course participants for exciting discussions and fun learning, to the seminar speakers for their insights and inspiration, and to the course instructors, teaching assistants and coordinators for their dedication and wisdom.

Photo credits: Constance Brukin

Have a look at how the aviation fuel industry is being transformed in the Bioengineering laboratory in this newly published video!

Our doctoral researchers Abdullah Nasir and Subhasis Behera are working committedly to make the aviation fuels more sustainable. They are engineering metabolic steps for the biosynthesis of energy-rich monoterpene intermediates from biowaste that are fit to be used as raw material in aviation fuel production.

In 1989 a fire broke out in oil shale mine in Kohtla Järve, Estonia and it took 48 days to extinguish. The burning oil shale released toxic phenolic compounds, threatening groundwater and consequently groundwater water bodies, including one of the major lakes, Lake Peipus, the 5th largest lake in Europe. For preventing a potential nature catastrophe, as Pseudomonas was already known to degrade phenolic compounds, an engineered Pseudomonas putida was released in the affected area as a measure of bioremediation. This event represents one of the first recorded deliberate release of a recombinant microbe into an ecosystem. Six years later, in 1995, the same gene sequence was found in native Pseudomonas, suggesting possible horizontal gene transfer.

To search for these genes, the scientist from MIT Voigt Lab traveled to Kohtla-Järve, Estonia to collect samples from the release site. This was already their second visit following the first one in Septemper 2023 when they extracted DNA from 68 soil and water samples collected around the release site. Alina Rekena, PhD student in Bioengineering is part of the project and helping with sample taking as well as analysis. The aim is to perform a metagenomic analysis to gain key insights into the implications of introducing engineered organisms into natural ecosystems.

Read more about this topic: Acquisition of a deliberately introduced phenol degradation operon, pheBA, by different indigenous Pseudomonas species | Applied and Environmental Microbiology
and Design and regulation of engineered bacteria for environmental release | Nature Microbiology

Bioengineering group held myth busting workshops during Life Sciences Day at Tallinn University of Technology

During the workshops the participants were introduced to different evolutionary and genetic techniques. They were shown how genetic engineering of microorganisms is conducted in the Bioengineering laboratory. Moreover, they participated in a video call to microorganisms under microscope, exploring the differences of wild and GM yeast.

The participants had also an opportunity to see the real life results of these techniques and try and see foods with exotic ingredients.

Life Sciences Day was aimed at high school students for introducing life sciences study programmes in Tallinn University of Technology.

Thank you Alīna Reķēna, Tommaso Tagliani, Kristjan Pals, Luísa Czamanski Nora and Kaisa Orgusaar for the contribution!

Petri-Jaan Lahtvee is a member of the new composition of the Research and Development Council (Teadus- Arendusnõukogu).

In April, the Research Council, chaired by Prime Minister Kristjan Michal, held its inaugural session. Among other renowned scientists and entrepreneurs is Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, Associate Professor of Bioengineering and co-founder of ÄIO.

The aim of the Research Council is to ensure that research developments reach companies swiftly, thereby helping to increase the productivity and added value of Estonian companies, improve export capacity and strengthen our position in the global market.

https://valitsus.ee/teadus-ja-arendusnoukogu-10 

Photo by Aivo Kallas

This year Christmas came early and Bioengineering laboratory received its long awaited liquid handling robot. The team underwent a basic training how to create simple protocols and was made familiar with the robot´s multiple modules.

“We are very excited to have liquid handling robot in our laboratory and are hoping to keep it very busy”, said Juliano Sabedotti de Biaggi, the Head of Lab Automation.

The new robot enables automated pipetting and working in sterile conditions and is a wonderful addition for routine time consuming liquid handling operations.

The robot was bought as a part of biofoundry under establishment thanks to the DigiBio project of the European Horizon sub-program Widening for Excellence, within the framework of which 15 million euros are allocated from the European Commission and 15 million euros from the state budget of Estonia.

Recently, four 11th grade students of Tallinna 32. Keskkool have been seen working in the bioengineering laboratory. The aspiring girls Grete-Liis Tammaru, Maia Tžikanov, Luisa Aleksejev ja Mari-Ann Rõuk decided to start a student company as part of their 11th grade research project and solve a problem that occurs in everyday life. Their student company PopZip is developing 3D printed reusable lids for resealing aluminum beverage cans. The girls described that the idea was born out of a personal need, because it is not always possible to drink the entire drink at once. However, the lid created by the girls makes it possible to close the can again and put it in a bag if necessary.
The girls reached the Bioengineering research group when they turned to Tallinn University of Technology to get advice on using suitable materials. From there, they were put in contact with Kerit-Lii Joasoon, a master’s student working under senior researcher Rahul Kumar in the Bioengineering research group and Tommaso Tagliani, who have been helping PopZip with the prototype. In cooperation, a prototype has been developed and different materials have been tested. Silicone was chosen as the material for the product, since is suitable for contact with food as it is inert and has good properties for 3D printing as well as elasticity, water resistance and durability.

Joint collaboration project between Bioengineering group and Fibenol “Biotechnological processing of wood and food waste into feed and food supplements”  was one among the three nominees at Tallinn´s entrepreneurial awards. During the project wood industry residues, such as pre-processed sawdust was converted into healthy feed and food additives.

The project was funded from Environmental Investment Service.

Thank you for the recognition!