The GutBiotics Lab
Did you know that the trillions of microorganisms present in the gut, commonly referred to as gut microbiota, are now considered a separate organ in the body due to their pivotal role in the maintenance of our health? Recent studies have unveiled the functional properties of the gut microbiota in the metabolisms of foods, absorption of nutrients, maintenance of health as well as in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The gut microbiota mediates these functions by producing certain signalling molecules called gut microbial metabolites, also known as postbiotics. Whilst a growing body of scientific literature portrays the health benefits of prebiotic and probiotic foods, research on postbiotics is limited.
Molecular Insights into Postbiotics
Our dynamic and culturally diverse research group at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, is dissecting the molecular pathways impacted by postbiotics to gain a better understanding of how these molecules can be used as functional food ingredients and pharmaceutical agents for the prevention and treatment of cancer and other metabolic diseases in the future. Understanding the broad-spectrum bioactivity of natural compounds in Australian Indigenous plants and food is another key focus of our research group.
Our Lab Members
Our Capabilities
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Advanced cellular and molecular assays related to natural products, food ingredients and pharmaceuticals
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Gut microbiome profiling
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Microbiological assays including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral susceptibility testing
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Proteomics studies
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Antioxidant, chemical characterisation and metabolomic profiling of natural products
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Drug-herb, drug-natural compound and drug-drug interaction studies