Projects
Bacterial exopolymers (EPS) as a survival strategy in stressful environments and an opportunity to improve soil quality (hElPStress)
Current
Project No.: 2024/55/D/ST10/02064
Funding Institution: National Science Centre (NCN), Sonata Program
Duration: 2025–2028
Consortium: Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG) (Leader); University of Warsaw; Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
Description: The project aims to determine whether soil bacteria originating from environments exposed to various stresses such as drought, flooding, salinity and PAH contamination produce exopolymers (EPS) in response to adverse conditions and whether these compounds can support soil functioning. It will investigate the potential of bacterial EPS to improve soil stability, water availability and structural integrity, as well as their possible involvement in bioremediation processes. A key goal is to assess whether EPS produced by stress-adapted soil bacteria can benefit not only the producing strains but also the broader soil microbiome and physicochemical properties of soil. The project will also examine the influence of these EPS on plant health and growth under stress conditions. Additionally, it seeks to clarify whether different environmental stresses universally trigger EPS production as a bacterial survival strategy. Ultimately, the project aims to establish whether microbial EPS can be used as a natural tool for restoring stressed and degraded soils relevant to sustainable agriculture.
PATHFOOD: Sustainable Functional Food Chain
Current
Project No.: 10116001
Funding Institution: European Union, Horizon Europe
Duration: 2024–2026
Principal Investigator: Prof. Ewa Bulska (CNBCh UW)
Consortium: University of Warsaw (Coordinator); Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche; REDINN SRL
Description: Establishes a sustainable and health-oriented functional food chain supporting climate neutrality and well-being across Europe.
Role of psychro- and halotolerant Antarctic bacteria and their osmoprotectants in the regeneration of saline soils potentially used for agricultural purposes
Current
Project No.: 2022/47/D/ST10/03218
Funding Institution: National Science Centre (NCN), Sonata Program
Duration: 2023–2026
Consortium: University of Warsaw (Leader) in collaboration with University of Turin
Description: The project focuses on evaluating the potential of psychro- and halotolerant bacteria, optimized for osmoprotectant production, to improve the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of saline agricultural soils. It aims to elucidate how these bacteria and their metabolites influence soil properties, including water retention, aggregation, conductivity, pH and salt mobility. Another key objective is to determine how bacterial supplementation affects soil microbiome structure and activity using molecular, microscopic, biochemical and physiological approaches. The project will also assess how these soil modifications translate into plant growth promotion and physiological responses under salt stress. Additionally, it seeks to uncover links between bacterial genomic and phenotypic variability and their optimized osmoprotectant production capacity. Ultimately, the project aims to establish a new microbially based strategy for mitigating salt stress in modern agriculture.
Structural & Functional Characterization of the pSinA Plasmid
Completed
Project No.: NN302083639
Funding Institution: Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW)
Duration: 2010–2013
Description: Genetic mechanisms of arsenic metabolism in Sinorhizobium species and plasmid-based systems for potential bioremediation.
Genomic and Physiological Basis of Adaptation Mechanisms
Completed
Project No.: 0107/IP1/2015/73
Funding Institution: MNiSW, Iuventus Plus Program
Duration: 2015–2017
Description: Investigation of arsenate-respiring bacteria and genomic determinants of resistance and metabolism.
Fly Ashes as the Precursors of Functionalized Materials for Applications in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Agriculture
Completed
Project No.: TEAM-NET/2018/ver 0_5
Funding Institution: Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), TEAM-NET Program
Duration: 2019–2023
Consortium: Lublin University of Technology; AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków; University of Warsaw
Description: The project developed innovative methods for converting coal fly ash into functionalized materials for applications in environmental protection, construction, and agriculture. The interdisciplinary research combined microbiology, chemistry, and materials engineering to produce novel materials with enhanced sorptive and catalytic properties, supporting the principles of sustainable waste utilization.
The influence of chemical warfare agents on selected life history parameters and microbiota in the digestive tract of fish
Completed
Project No.: 2020/37/N/NZ8/04099
Funding Institution: National Science Centre, Poland
Duration: 2021–2025
Principal investigator: Wojciech Wilczyński
Description: After the First and Second World Wars, vast amounts of chemical munitions were dumped into the seas. As they corrode, chemical warfare agents, especially arsenic-based, threaten marine life. This project studied how these agents affect fish by analyzing growth, mortality, and gut microbiota of experimentally exposed zebrafish and wild Baltic cod.
The Development of a (Bio)Technology for Waste Management and Recovery of Water from Effluents from Hydrometallurgical Processes
Completed
Project No.: TEAM TECH/2016-2/9
Funding Institution: Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), TEAM TECH Program
Duration: 2017–2021
Description: The project aimed to create an integrated biotechnological process for the treatment and reuse of hydrometallurgical effluents, focusing on microbial-based removal of contaminants and recovery of clean water. The outcomes contribute to sustainable metal recovery and water recycling in industrial systems.
Intelligent Environmental Parameter Measurement System with Built-in Predictive Models for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
Completed
Project No.: 01.02.00-IP.01-14-015/16
Funding Institution: RPO WM MJWPU Program
Duration: 2017–2018
Description: This project developed an intelligent sensor network and predictive model system for monitoring environmental parameters affecting historical monuments, supporting proactive conservation and cultural heritage protection.
Community-wide analysis of bacteriophages infecting bacteria inhabiting an extreme environment contaminated with heavy metals
Completed
Project No.: 2017/25/B/NZ8/00472
Funding Institution: National Science Centre, Poland
Duration: 2018–2022
Principal investigator: Monika Radlińska
Description: The aim of this project was to determine the diversity and abundance of the bacteriophages that infect bacteria inhabiting an environment containing heavy metals at high concentrations. An object of study was a phage community of the ancient gold mine Złoty Stok (Poland). This ecosystem is inhabited by unique groups of microorganisms physiologically adapted to its harsh conditions, which form structurally organized communities – microbial mats in the bottom sediments and biofilms on the mine walls. By combining high-throughput genomic analysis and classical laboratory techniques, we expanded our understanding of the relationships between phages and bacteria in an extreme environment and their co-evolution. We estimated the extent of involvement of the mine virome in the shaping and adaptation of the local bacterial community and its involvement in the formation of the spatial structure of biofilms and microbiological mats. The project resulted also in the identification and isolation of new bacteriophages, and consequently in the discovery of novel environmental host-phage systems.
Development of In Situ Soil Purification Technology for Oil-Derived Compounds at a Depth of at Least 4 Meters Below the Surface
Completed
Project No.: 501-D114-73-0000713
Funding Institution: Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP),
Innovation Voucher Program
Duration: 2017–2018
Description: The project designed a deep-soil bioremediation technology using microbial consortia capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons under subsurface conditions, contributing to practical applications in industrial site rehabilitation.
Development of a Bioproduct and Its Technology for Removing Oil-Derived Compounds from Contaminated Soils
Completed
Project No.: POIR.02.03.02-14-0046/16-00
Funding Institution: Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP),
Innovation Voucher Program
Duration: 2017–2018
Description: The aim was to formulate and optimize a bioproduct for petroleum hydrocarbon removal, combining microbial and enzymatic mechanisms for efficient soil decontamination.
Development of Biotechnology for Accelerated Utilization of Raw Sewage Sludge and Construction of a Mobile Fermentation Chamber
Completed
Project No.: 266405 (GEKON – Ecological Concept Generator, NCBR/NFOŚiGW)
Duration: 2015–2017
Consortium: RDLS Sp. z o.o. (Leader); University of Warsaw; Ecokube Sp. z o.o.
Description: The project developed biotechnological processes for rapid sludge stabilization and biogas production, resulting in a mobile fermentation system for flexible waste management applications.
Genomic and Physiological Basis of Adaptation Mechanisms of Dissimilatory Arsenate-Reducing Bacteria
Completed
Project No.: 0107/IP1/2015/73
Funding Institution: Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW),
Iuventus Plus Program
Duration: 2015–2017
Description: This project investigated arsenate-respiring bacteria, uncovering genomic determinants of their resistance and metabolism, and providing new insights into microbial arsenic transformation in natural and contaminated environments.
Microbiological System for Arsenic Removal from Surface Waters
Completed
Project No.: LIDER/043/403/L-4/12/NCBR/2013
Funding Institution: National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR),
LIDER IV Program
Duration: 2014–2017
Description: The project developed a microbiological process for arsenic removal from water, leading to an innovative prototype system for environmental applications in water purification.
Obtaining Patent Protection for the Invention on the Use of Arsenite-Oxidizing Bacteria in Removing Arsenic from Contaminated Water and Soil
Completed
Project No.: UDA-POIG.01.03.02-00-084/12
Funding Institution: Innovative Economy Operational Programme (POIG)
Duration: 2013–2015
Obtaining Patent Protection for the Invention on the Use of Arsenate-Reducing Bacteria in Removing Arsenic from Mineral Resources
Completed
Project No.: UDA-POIG.01.03.02-00-087/12-00
Funding Institution: Innovative Economy Operational Programme (POIG)
Duration: 2013–2015
Optimization of a Two-Stage Reactor for High-Methane Biogas Production – Development of Biostarters and Fermentation Markers
Completed
Project No.: PBS1/A8/3/2012
Funding Institution: National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR),
Applied Research Program
Duration: 2012–2015
Description: The project optimized anaerobic digestion systems for methane-rich biogas production through microbial community engineering and process monitoring.
Structural and Functional Characterization of the pSinA Plasmid from Sinorhizobium sp. M14 and Its Application in the Bioremediation of Arsenic-Contaminated Environments
Completed
Project No.: NN302083639
Funding Institution: Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW)
Duration: 2010–2013
Description: This project explored the genetic mechanisms of arsenic metabolism in Sinorhizobium species and evaluated plasmid-based systems for potential use in bioremediation strategies.
Arsenic Biogeochemistry – Biotechnological Removal of Arsenic from Mineral Resources and Raw Material Industry Waste
Completed
Project No.: 0079/P01/201070
Funding Institution: Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW),
Iuventus Plus Program
Duration: 2010–2011
Description: The research focused on arsenic cycling and microbial transformation in mining environments, laying the groundwork for future bio-based detoxification technologies.
Development of the biofertilizers dedicated to the improvement of the biological quality of soil
Completed
Project No.: LIDER/13/0051/L-11/19/NCBR/2020
Funding Institution: National Centre for Research and Development, Poland
Duration: 2021–2024
Consortium: University of Warsaw (Leader) in collaboration with Agricultural University in Krakow and University of Turin
Description: The project aims to develop low-input, environmentally friendly organic biocomponents—specifically bacterial siderophores that stimulate soil microbiota activity and enhance soil fertility. It focuses on creating two types of biofertilizers: one dedicated to promoting plant growth and another designed to improve the efficiency of bioremediation in contaminated soils. The research includes developing a cost-effective siderophore production technology, optimizing fertilizer formulations, and evaluating their stability and performance in soil regeneration, vegetation and column tests. Development-oriented tasks include implementing continuous biocomponent production and building a laboratory-scale installation for biofertilizer manufacturing. A market and feasibility analysis will also be conducted to support future implementation. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver multifunctional biofertilizers suitable for agricultural use and environmental remediation applications.
Development of (bio)technology for the consolidation of heavy metals contaminated soils
Completed
Project No.: POIR.02.03.02-14-0141/19
Funding Institution: Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (in collaboration with EcoRGS company)
Duration: 2020–2021
Consortium: University of Warsaw
Description: This project concerns the development of a two-stage biotechnology for the purification and stabilization of soils contaminated with heavy metals. In the first stage, microbiological extraction of heavy metals is carried out using extracellular bacterial metabolites in the form of siderophores. The second stage focuses on increasing the chemical stability of soil remaining after metal extraction through metabolites produced by urea-degrading bacteria. The project is implemented in collaboration with ECO RGS, a company specializing in the remediation of degraded areas, supported by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development under the “Innovation Voucher” program.
Proprietary optimization technology dedicated to treatment/neutralizing of heavy metals contaminated soils
Completed
Project No.: RPMA.01.02.00-14-b491/18
Funding Institution: Operational Program of the Mazovia Region (Poland) (in collaboration with EcoRGS company)
Duration: 2020–2021
Consortium: University of Warsaw
Description: The aim of the project is to develop an original technology for leaching heavy metals from contaminated soils. Various chemical and biological extractants are selected and tested under both batch and flow conditions. The project aims to identify at least two extractants with the highest efficiency and to develop detailed technological guidelines for effective heavy metal leaching from different soil types. It is carried out in collaboration with ECO RGS under the Operational Program of the Mazovia Region.
The influence of soil bioaugumentation with arsenic oxidizing bacteria on the structure and activity of microorganisms in soil in the context of their interaction with metalophyts
Completed
Project No.: 2016/23/N/NZ9/01655
Funding Institution: National Science Centre, Preludium Program
Duration: 2017–2020
Consortium: University of Warsaw
Description: The project investigates the effects of soil bioaugmentation with arsenic-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) on plant growth, morphology and arsenic phytoextraction. It examines how AOB influence the structure and functionality of the soil microbial community and how these changes affect plant performance and arsenic uptake. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultures enriched with Sinorhizobium sp. M14 (carrying plasmid pSinA with arsenic metabolism genes) are used to characterize interactions between AOB, soil microbiota and plants. The results aim to support the development of low-cost, efficient and eco-friendly strategies for arsenic remediation.
EnzymeCP: a composition of enzymes as the future of biological crop protection
Completed
Project No.: 113647/22/Ae
Funding Institution: Eureka Countries & European Union, Horizon 2020 Framework Program
Duration: 2020–2023
Consortium: BioMosae B.V. – Netherlands (Leader); Dekota a.s. – Czech Republic; RDLS Sp. z o.o. – Poland (PI: Klaudia Dębiec-Andrzejewska)
Description: The project aims to develop and commercialize EnzymeCP, the first enzymatic biopesticide intended for plant protection. Conventional synthetic pesticides pose risks to the environment and health; therefore, the project focuses on creating safe and effective biological alternatives. EnzymeCP contains compositions of bacterial enzymes capable of degrading cell walls of insects and fungi. The work includes research and development of this innovative product and optimization of its production process, supporting the transition toward sustainable agriculture.