Institute of Molecular Biology
Topic
Bacillus subtilis, a bacterial model of division and differentiation, as a future tool of bioremediation.
PhD. program
Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Zuzana Chromiková, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Commenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences
Annotation
The aim of this project is to obtain a non-pathogenic strain of soil bacteria that can be used for in situ bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals due to industrial activities. One of the mechanisms of bacterial tolerance to chromium (Cr) is the efficient reduction of toxic Cr(VI) to non-toxic Cr(III). In Cr-tolerant bacterial species, the intracellular reduction of Cr(VI) is mediated by efficient reductases capable of multi-electron transfer to the substrate in a single reaction step, thereby minimizing the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and preventing oxidative damage to the cell. Bacillus subtilis is a non-pathogenic soil bacterium, but it is not a typical Cr-tolerant species. Our objective will be to express reductases capable of multi-electron transfer under the control of a Cr-sensitive promoter, aiming to increase the bioremediation potential of B. subtilis through the efficient reduction of Cr(VI). Simultaneously, we will attempt to express these reductases on the surface of B. subtilis spores, so that even spores can passively bio-transform toxic Cr(VI) into non-toxic Cr(III) in the environment.