Microbiology I and II (BLG151/251)

Applications of Biotechnology (BLG788)

Biotechnology Laboratory (BLG888)

Interfacial Phenomena (MS8104)

My research focuses on the investigation of the structure (composition of microbial communities), architecture (physical structure) and function of biofilms and other bioaggregates. Biofilms are accumulations of microorganisms embedded in a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances and carry out important functions in natural and engineered environments, including nutrient cycling and contaminant degradation. Currently, the following research projects are in progress:

(i) Transfer of catabolic plasmids in biofilms
Due to the high cell density in biofilms, transfer of genetic information via mechanisms such as conjugation and transformation is likely to occur in. In fact, conjugative transfer of plasmids (horizontal gene transfer mediated by cell to cell contact) has been reported in bacterial biofilms from various environments and is considered a significant factor in the spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids. We study how environmental conditions influence biofilms and consequently also the transfer, maintenance and dissemination of plasmids.
Graduate student: Matthew Starek matthew.starek@ryerson.ca
Funding: NSERC-Discovery Grant, 2008-2013

(ii) Microbial fuel cells: structure and function of electrode-associated biofilms
Generation of bioelectricity from biological processes utilizing wastewater as substrate is a promising eco-friendly option with respect to both energy production and waste minimization. The project aims to examine the feasibility of bioelectricity production from wastewater as substrate employing microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. We investigate the composition and function of biofilms associated with anodes in microbial fuel cells.
Graduate student: Laura Berthiaume (berthi6@gmail.com)
Co-PI: Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Collaborators: Venkata Mohan (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology), Bruce Rittmann (Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University)
Funding: Ryerson International Initiatives Fund

(iii) Development of designer microbial consortia for bioconversion of cellulose to energy and value-added products
Biological conversion of plant biomass to organic fuels, hydrogen, and other high-value co-products,represents a viable alternative to fossil fuels. In this project we aim at enriching and characterizing microbial consortia employable in bioconversion of cellulose to useful products.
Graduate student: Patrick Ronan (pronan@ryerson.ca)
Co-PIs: David Levin and Richard Sparling (U of Manitoba), Josh Neufeld (U of Waterloo), Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Funding: NSERC-Strategic Project Grant, 2009-2012

(iv) Assessing and managing biofilms in drinking water distribution systems
Biofilm growth is being assessed in seven drinking water utilities located across North America in order to provide a broader knowledge base for biofilm guidelines.
Graduate Student: Sharon Waller (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; sharonwaller@u.northwestern.edu)
Co-PI: Aaron Packman (Northwestern)
Funding: Water Research Foundation, Project 4087 (2008-2010).

S. Bathe, N. Schwarzenbeck, M. Hausner. 2009. Bioaugmentation of activated sludge towards 3-chloroaniline removal with a mixed bacterial population carrying a degradative plasmid. Bioresour Technol. 100(12):2902-9.

S. Venkata Mohan , C. Falkentoft, Y. Venkata Nancharaiah, B.S. Sturm, P. Wattiau, P.A. Wilderer, S. Wuertz, M. Hausner. 2009. Bioaugmentation of microbial ommunities in laboratory and pilot scale sequencing batch biofilm reactors using the TOL plasmid. Bioresour Technol. 100(5):1746-53.

L. Wu, A.D. Jacobson, M. Hausner. 2008. Characterization of elemental release during microbe-granite interactions at T = 28oC Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 72(4): 1076-1095.

B. E. Rittmann, M. Hausner, F. Loffler, N. G. Love, G. Muyzer, S. Okabe, D. B. Oerther, J. Peccia, L. Raskin, M. Wagner. (2006): A vista for microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology. Environmental Science & Technology. 40(4):1096-1103.

S. Bathe, N. Schwarzenbeck, M. Hausner. (2005): Plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation of activated sludge bacteria in a sequencing batch moving bed reactor using pNB2. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 41(3):242-7.