Molecular analysis and mechanistic elucidation of the functionality of probiotics and prebiotics in the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms to combat gastrointestinal disorders and to improve human health.

The effect of probiotics on the inhibition of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria-like the enterovirulent diarrheagenic Salmonellae, and Helicobacter pylori causing gastrointestinal disorders - will be studied. This project will focus on the identification of the responsible compounds, and the mechanism of the inhibition of Gram-negative pathogens by probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. This will be studied using coculture models (simulated gut fermentations, human cell lines and animal models) and clinical experiments.