The research area of the Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory is the elimination of common food-borne and hospital acquired pathogens by using natural compounds such as phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and rosemary extract that have antimicrobial activity.

     Our current research subjects are about the antimicrobial activities of some herbal phenolic acids on the most infamous food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis, and E. coli O157:H7. The action mechanisms of phenolic acids are still to be unraveled but it is hypothesized that the cell membrane may be one of the possible targets for research. We aim to prove that there are some physical interaction(s) between phenolic acids and the cell as well as to define the nature of this/these interaction(s). The results of our research can lead to a new generation of antimicrobials in the future.

We also are focusing on the infusion of porous polymers used in surgeries with phenolic antimicrobial substances to support the antibiotics administered after the surgery to prevent surgical site infections that are especially caused by antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. The affects of the infused polymers are investigated on notorious bacterial species such as MRSA, E. coli, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa etc.. We aim to prove that the bactericidal properties of the antibiotic infused porous polymers improve along with the mechanical strength when the polymer is infused with phenolic acids as well.