Research

Our research group is interested in the biogeochemical cycle of the trace gases that are either directly or indirectly constraining the Earth’s energy balance. The objective of our research includes the identification of the microorganisms controlling atmospheric trace gas budgets and the analysis of the impact of global change on microbial biogeochemistry. Microorganisms demonstrating the ability to oxidize atmospheric trace gases have evolved unusual metabolic pathways involving enzymes displaying high substrate affinity. In some bacteria, the scavenging of atmospheric trace gases provides an alternative energy source supplying maintenance energy requirements or secondary metabolites synthesis. An assessment of the potential biotechnological applications of these microorganisms is also part of the research agenda of our team. The research is organized to shed light on these questions of fundamental interest:

• Which microorganisms oxidize atmospheric trace gases? What are the environmental factors influencing their distribution and their activity?
• Will the microorganisms maintain their role in mitigating anthropogenic trace gas emissions?
• Are there environmental management strategies to preserve or stimulate the biogeochemical functions?
• Is the exploitation of microorganisms consuming trace gases an efficient approach to increase the production yield of secondary metabolites, biodegradation and other bioprocesses?