We investigate how bacteria coordinate their behaviour and adapt to life in multicellular communities. In Bacillus subtilis, we study cannibalism as a form of microbial programmed cell death and explore how it shapes bacterial physiology and biofilm formation. We also investigate the physiology and multicellular behavior of Streptomyces, with a focus on understanding how these filamentous bacteria grow, differentiate, and interact with their environment.

Our research examines how bacteria respond to and defend themselves against antimicrobial compounds. We study antimicrobial signalling and stress responses, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance. In parallel, we explore Streptomyces and other actinomycetes as a source of new natural products, investigating the regulation of secondary metabolite production and the mechanisms that control antibiotic biosynthesis.

Synthetic biology combines principles from biology and engineering to design, modify, and build biological systems with new or improved functions. A major focus is the use of Bacillus subtilis spores as robust display platforms for enzymes with diverse applications. We also develop biosensors capable of detecting antimicrobial compounds and distinguishing them according to their cellular targets, providing new approaches for antimicrobial discovery and characterization.