Research activities

Characterising the biodiversity of collections, from taxonomy to biological activities.

CIRM is involved in research projects to assess the biodiversity of its collections and the associated enzymatic, metabolic or biological potential. These objectives require systematic sequencing of genomes and phenotypic characterisation using automated screening devices. It also participates in the exploration of the microbial biodiversity present in environments of agronomic and environmental interest.

• Genomics: Taxonomy / phylogenomics / gene discovery and enzymatic potential / metabolic profiling / dereplication / reference strain sets
• Metabolism - Enzymatic activities: Metabolism of oligosaccharides / production of vitamins, exopolysaccharides, aromatic compounds / cellulolytic activities / degradation of industrial pollutants
• Biological activity Antifungal activity / production of bacteriocins / antibiotic resistance profiles according to EUCAST/CASFL procedures / anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent publications:

• Bechara, P., Rué, O., Arnould, L., El Rammouz, R., Nakhoul, P.A., Sicard, D., Legras, J.-L., Ayoub, M.-J., 2026. High-sugar driven microbial dynamics in spontaneous fermentations of Lebanese cooked wines. International Journal of Food Microbiology 456, 111809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111809
• Kulakauskas, S., Sadovskaya, I., Vinogradov, E., Maes, E., Quénée, P., Alfonsi, L., Courtin, P., Chuat, V., Valence, F., André, G., Péchoux, C., Oliveira-Correia, L., Henry, C., Renault, P., Chapot-Chartier, M.-P., 2026. Switching cell wall-bound polysaccharides to secreted polysaccharides in lactobacilli. Carbohydrate Polymers 380, 125030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125030
• Coelho, C., Willane, C.T., Dakhchich, I., El Jalil, M.H., Humblot, C., Gerber, P., Valence, F., Christieans, S., Jenvrin, C.L., Rios, L., Poix, C., Chassard, C., Papademas, P., Tsakalidou, E., 2026a. CONTRASTING FERMENTATION PRACTICES AND TYPOLOGIES OF FERMENTED FOODS BETWEEN FRANCE AND AFRICAN COUNTRIES – A CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE FROM THE PIMENTO INITIATIVE. Fermented Foods 100010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ferfo.2026.100010
• Guillon, D., Verzeaux, L., Azadiguian, G., Grondin, C., Minet, P., Poisson, C., Marchand, L., Le Guillou, M., Aymard, E., Closs, B., Black, A.F., Tran, C., 2026. Isolation and characterization of Aureobasidium pullulans from rose rhizosphere: A novel source for skin benefits. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 48, 456–466. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.70049