Research Group for Microbiology

The Microbiology research group is involved in veterinary, clinical and environmental microbiology. The multidisciplinary approach of the group allows to study a wide range of scientific topics in the development of new types of antimicrobial agents, molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, bacterial characterisation or environmental chemistry and enzymology.

The nature of antibiotic resistance at the molecular level and ways to overcome it with new types of materials are studied using multi-omics approaches. Furthermore, research is focused on the identification and characterization of microorganisms from clinical and veterinary samples. The microbial cultures obtained are genotyped and characterized for antibiotic resistance and virulence.

Laboratoř mikrobiologie

Another important research direction is the use of basidiomycete fungi, moulds and yeasts in environmental protection, as well as the production and characterisation of biotechnologically relevant enzymes. Microorganisms and their secondary metabolites are also studied under realistic conditions (soil, gastro waste, wastewater) with regard to their possible use in bioremediation, soil quality improvement or soil regeneration.

The research group includes three laboratories:

  • Laboratories of Nanotechnology in Microbiology
  • Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology
  • Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Enzymology

prof. Ing. Luděk Žůrek, Ph.D.

Head – Research group for Microbiology
Professor

Phone: 420 545 133 293
Address: ÚCB AF, Zemědělská 1, 61300 Brno – Budova D
Office: BA02N3011
E-mail: ludek.zurek@mendelu.cz
Researcher ID: O-4813-2018
ORCID: 0000-0002-4912-3138
Scopus Author ID: 6701688932

Team members

  • prof. Ing. Luděk Žůrek, Ph.D.
  • Ing. Kristýna Číhalová, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Kristýna Hrazdilová, Ph.D.
  • Ing. Kristýna Šmerková, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Petra Vídeňská, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Martina Coufalová
  • Ing. Tatiana Fialová
  • Ing. Ludmila Košarišťanová
  • RNDr. Michaela Kuthanová
  • Ing. Martin Řiháček
  • Almotasem Bellah Younis, M.Sc
  • Ing. Martina Vršanská, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Stanislava Voběrková, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Eva Jansová, PhD.
  • Mgr. Alena Burešová, Ph.D.
  • Bc. Sofiia Lymarenko
  • Ing. Ester Kovaříková
  • Mgr. Pavla BuršíkováIng

Topics of Ph.D. theses

  • Effect of Metal-Based Agricultural Pollutants on Bacterial Resistance and Virulence (Doleželíková)
  • Multi-omics Approaches in the Evaluation of the Effect of Pollutants on Bacterial Evolution (Doleželíková)
  • Horizontal Transfer of Genetic Information: Induction, Dissemination, Impact (Doleželíková)
  • Natural Antibacterial Agents: A New Antibiotic Revolution (Doleželíková)
  • Nanomaterials and New Types of Antimicrobial Agents as an Alternative to Antibiotic Preparations (Šmerková)
  • Mechanism of the Emergence of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Nanomaterials (Šmerková)
  • Effect of Metallic and Semi-Metallic Nanomaterials on the Emergence of Bacterial Resistance (Šmerková)
  • Identification and Phenotyping of Bacterial Cultures Obtained from Livestock (Šmerková)

For more information contact Kristýna Doleželíková (kristyna.dolezelikova@mendelu.cz) or Kristýna Šmerková (kristýna.smerkova@mendelu.cz)

 

Projects

  • CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016670 Igráček: Multi-omics approach to study effects of agriculturally-used zinc on Escherichia coli: Risks assessment of bacterial resistance evolution (2021-2022)
  • MŠMT: Multioborový výzkum pro zvýšení aplikačního potenciálu nanomateriálů v zemědělské praxi. 2018-2022.
  • MENDELU: Rast baktérií a tvorba bakteriálneho biofilmu na materiáloch z titanu a nehrdzavejúcej ocele so špecifickou povrchovou úpravou (AF-IGA2020-IP029)
  • MENDELU: Nanostructured TiO2 anatase-brookite – in vitro toxicity and antimicrobial activity, comprehensive study (AF-IGA2020-IP068)
  • MENDELU: Vliv kombinace polynenasycených mastných kyselin n-3 a nanočástic na hojení kožních ran u modelového organizmu. 2019-2020.
  • MENDELU: Studium vzniku bakteriální resistence k uhlíkovým nanomateriálům (AF-IGA2019-IP051)
  • MŠMT: Multioborový výzkum pro zvýšení aplikačního potenciálu nanomateriálů v zemědělské praxi. 2018-2022.

Publications

 

  • Lesiczka, P. M.; Rudenko, N.;  Golovchenko, M.;  Juránková, J.;  Daněk, O.;  Modrý, D.; Hrazdilová, K., Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) play an important role in the propagation of tick-borne pathogens. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases 2023, 14 (1), 102076.
  • Younis, A. B.; Haddad, Y.;  Kosaristanova, L.; Smerkova, K., Titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Recent progress in antimicrobial applications. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev.-Nanomed. Nanobiotechnol. 2022, e1860.
  • Ussia, M.; Urso, M.;  Kment, S.;  Fialova, T.;  Klima, K.;  Dolezelikova, K.; Pumera, M., Light-Propelled Nanorobots for Facial Titanium Implants Biofilms Removal. Small 2022, 18 (22), 10.
  • Unterköfler, M. S.; Harl, J.;  Barogh, B. S.;  Spergser, J.;  Hrazdilová, K.;  Müller, F.;  Jeschke, D.;  Anders, O.;  Steinbach, P.;  Ansorge, H.;  Fuehrer, H.-P.; Heddergott, M., Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Germany. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022, 19, 128-137.
  • Rojas, D.; Kuthanova, M.;  Dolezelikova, K.; Pumera, M., Facet nanoarchitectonics of visible-light driven Ag3PO4 photocatalytic micromotors: Tuning motion for biofilm eradication. NPG Asia Mater. 2022, 14 (1), 1-9.
  • Milosavljevic, V.; Kosaristanova, L.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Adam, V.; Pumera, M., Microrobots with Antimicrobial Peptide Nanoarchitectonics for the Eradication of Antibiotic-Resistant Biofilms. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2022, in press.
  • Maldonado-Ruiz, P.; Urban, J.;  Davis, B. N.;  Park, J. J.;  Zurek, L.; Park, Y., Dermal secretion physiology and thermoregulation in the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Ticks Tick-Borne Dis. 2022, 13 (4), 10.
  • G., G.; Dolezelikova, K.;  Neupane, S.;  Frantova, H.;  Hrbatova, A.;  Pafco, B.;  Fiorotti, J.;  Kopacek, P.; Zurek, L., Characterization and manipulation of the bacterial community in the midgut of Ixodes ricinus. Parasites Vectors 2022, in press.
  • Lesiczka, P. M.; Danek, O.;  Modry, D.;  Hrazdilova, K.;  Votypka, J.; Zurek, L., A new report of adult Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes in the Czech Republic. Ticks Tick-Borne Dis. 2022, 13 (2), 1-5.
  • Komprda, T.; Popelkova, V.;  Kosaristanova, L.; Smidova, V., Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles as delivery system of fish oil for wound healing. Acta Vet. BRNO 2022, 91, 285-291.
  • Ussia, M.; Urso, M.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Michalkova, H.;  Adam, V.; Pumera, M., Active Light-Powered Antibiofilm ZnO Micromotors with Chemically Programmable Properties. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2021, 31 (2101178), 10.
  • Thomson, J. L.; Cernicchiaro, N.;  Zurek, L.; Nayduch, D., Cantaloupe Facilitates Salmonella Typhimurium Survival Within and Transmission Among Adult House Flies (Musca domestica L.). Foodborne Pathog. Dis. 2021, 18 (1), 49-55.
  • Pekarkova, J.; Gablech, I.;  Fialova, T.;  Bilek, O.; Fohlerova, Z., Modifications of Parylene by Microstructures and Selenium Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Bacterial and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Viability. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 2021, 9, 11.
  • Muchova, J.; Hearnden, V.;  Michlovska, L.;  Vistejnova, L.;  Zavadakova, A.;  Smerkova, K.;  Kociova, S.;  Adam, V.;  Kopel, P.; Vojtova, L., Mutual influence of selenium nanoparticles and FGF2-STAB(R) on biocompatible properties of collagen/chitosan 3D scaffolds: in vitro and ex ovo evaluation. J. Nanobiotechnol. 2021, 19 (1), 16.
  • Maldonado-Ruiz, L. P.; Neupane, S.;  Park, Y.; Zurek, L., The bacterial community of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Parasites & Vectors 2021, 14 (1), 1-10.
  • Lesiczka, P. M.; Hrazdilova, K.;  Majerova, K.;  Fonville, M.;  Sprong, H.;  Honig, V.;  Hofmannova, L.;  Papezik, P.;  Ruzek, D.;  Zurek, L.;  Votypka, J.; Modry, D., The role of peridomestic animals in the eco-epidemiology of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Microb. Ecol. 2021, 82 (3), 602-612.
  • Hrazdilova, K.; Lesiczka, P. M.;  Bardon, J.;  Vyroubalova, S.;  Simek, B.;  Zurek, L.; Modry, D., Wild boar as a potential reservoir of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick-Borne Dis. 2021, 12, 1-6.
  • Bezdekova, J.; Vodova, M.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Zitka, J.;  Smerkova, K.;  Zitka, O.;  Adam, V.; Vaculovicova, M., Detection of microbial contamination based on uracil-selective synthetic receptors. Talanta 2021, 224, 7.
  • Smerkova, K.; Dolezelikova, K.;  Bozdechova, L.;  Heger, Z.;  Zurek, L.; Adam, V., Nanomaterials with active targeting as advanced antimicrobials. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev.-Nanomed. Nanobiotechnol. 2020, 12 (5), 25.
  • Neupane, S.; White, K.;  Thomson, J. L.;  Zurek, L.; Nayduch, D., Environmental and sex effects on bacterial carriage by adult house flies (Musca domestica L.). Insects 2020, 11 (7), 1-12.
  • Neupane, S.; Ghosh, A.;  Gunther, S.;  Martin, K.; Zurek, L., Culicoidibacter larvae gen. nov., sp. nov., from the gastrointestinal tract of the biting midge (Culicoides sonorensis) larva, belongs to a novel lineage Culicoidibacteraceae fam. nov., Culicoidibacterales ord. nov. and Culicoidibacteria classis nov. of the phylum Firmicutes. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 2020, 70 (12), 1-9.
  • Monikh, F. A.; Chupani, L.;  Smerkova, K.;  Bosker, T.;  Cizar, P.;  Krzyzanek, V.;  Richtera, L.;  Franek, R.;  Zuskova, E.;  Skoupy, R.;  Darbha, G. K.;  Vijver, M.;  Valsami-Jones, E.; Peijnenburg, W., Engineered nanoselenium supplemented fish diet: toxicity comparison with ionic selenium and stability against particle dissolution, aggregation and release. Environ.-Sci. Nano 2020, 7 (8), 2325-2336.
  • Maldonado-Ruiz, L. P.; Park, Y. S.; Zurek, L., Liquid water intake of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum: Implications for tick survival and management. Sci. Rep. 2020, 10, 1-9.
  • Kociova, S.; Dolezelikova, K.;  Horky, P.;  Skalickova, S.;  Baholet, D.;  Bozdechova, L.;  Vaclavkova, E.;  Belkova, J.;  Nevrkla, P.;  Skladanka, J.;  Do, T.;  Zitka, O.;  Haddad, Y.;  Kopel, P.;  Zurek, L.;  Adam, V.; Smerkova, K., Zinc phosphate-based nanoparticles as alternatives to zinc oxide in diet of weaned piglets. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 2020, 11 (1), 16.
  • Guizzo, M. G.; Neupane, S.;  Kucera, M.;  Perner, J.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Frantova, H.;  da Silava Vaz Junior, I.;  Oliveira, P. L.;  Kopacek, P.; Zurek, L., Poor unstable midgut microbiome of hard ticks contrasts with abundant and stable monospecific microbiome in ovaries. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 2020, 10, 1-10.
  • Gagic, M.; Kociova, S.;  Smerkova, K.;  Michalkova, H.;  Setka, M.;  Svec, P.;  Pribyl, J.;  Masilko, J.;  Balkova, R.;  Heger, Z.;  Richtera, L.;  Adam, V.; Milosavljevic, V., One-pot synthesis of natural amine-modified biocompatible carbon quantum dots with antibacterial activity. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2020, 580, 30-48.
  • Dorazilova, J.; Muchova, J.;  Smerkova, K.;  Kociova, S.;  Divis, P.;  Kopel, P.;  Vesely, R.;  Pavlinakova, V.;  Adam, V.; Vojtova, L., Synergistic Effect of Chitosan and Selenium Nanoparticles on Biodegradation and Antibacterial Properties of Collagenous Scaffolds Designed for Infected Burn Wounds. Nanomaterials 2020, 10 (10), 21.
  • Bilek, O.; Fialova, T.;  Otahal, A.;  Adam, V.;  Smerkova, K.; Fohlerova, Z., Antibacterial activity of AgNPs-TiO2 nanotubes: influence of different nanoparticle stabilizers. RSC Adv. 2020, 10 (72), 44601-44610.
  • Bezdekova, J.; Zemankova, K.;  Hutarova, J.;  Kociova, S.;  Smerkova, K.;  Adam, V.; Vaculovicova, M., Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers used for selective isolation and detection of Staphylococcus aureus. Food Chem. 2020, 321, 8.
  • Videnska, P.; Smerkova, K.;  Zwinsova, B.;  Popovici, V.;  Micenkova, L.;  Sedlar, K.; Budinska, E., Stool sampling and DNA isolation kits affect DNA quality and bacterial composition following 16S rRNA gene sequencing using MiSeq Illumina platform. Sci Rep 2019, 9, 14.
  • Sur, V. P.; Kominkova, M.;  Buchtova, Z.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Zitka, O.; Moulick, A., CdSe QD Biosynthesis in Yeast Using Tryptone-Enriched Media and Their Conjugation with a Peptide Hecate for Bacterial Detection and Killing. Nanomaterials 2019, 9 (10), 15.
  • Neupane, S.; Nayduch, D.; Zurek, L., House flies (Musca domestica) pose a risk of carriage and transmission of bacterial pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Insects 2019, 10 (10), 1-7.
  • Jelinkova, P.; Mazumdar, A.;  Sur, V. P.;  Kociova, S.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Jimenez, A. M. J.;  Koudelkova, Z.;  Mishra, P. K.;  Smerkova, K.;  Heger, Z.;  Vaculovicova, M.;  Moulick, A.; Adam, V., Nanoparticle-drug conjugates treating bacterial infections. J. Control. Release 2019, 307, 166-185.
  • Jamroz, E.; Kopel, P.;  Tkaczewska, J.;  Dordevic, D.;  Jancikova, S.;  Kulawik, P.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Dolezelikova, K.;  Smerkova, K.;  Svec, P.; Adam, V., Nanocomposite Furcellaran Films-the Influence of Nanofillers on Functional Properties of Furcellaran Films and Effect on Linseed Oil Preservation. Polymers 2019, 11 (12), 17.
  • Horky, P.; Skalickova, S.;  Urbankova, L.;  Baholet, D.;  Kociova, S.;  Bytesnikova, Z.;  Kabourkova, E.;  Lackova, Z.;  Cernei, N.;  Gagic, M.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Smolikova, V.;  Vaclavkova, E.;  Nevrkla, P.;  Knot, P.;  Krystofova, O.;  Hynek, D.;  Kopel, P.;  Skladanka, J.;  Adam, V.; Smerkova, K., Zincphosphate-based nanoparticles as a novel antibacterial agent: in vivo study on rats after dietary exposure. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 2019, 10, 12.
  • Horky, P.; Skalickova, S.;  Smerkova, K.; Skladanka, J., Essential Oils as a Feed Additives: Pharmacokinetics and Potential Toxicity in Monogastric Animals. Animals 2019, 9 (6), 15.
  • Bytesnikova, Z.; Richtera, L.;  Smerkova, K.; Adam, V., Graphene oxide as a tool for antibiotic-resistant gene removal: a review. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2019, 26 (20), 20148-20163.
  • Buchtelova, H.; Skubalova, Z.;  Strmiska, V.;  Michalek, P.;  Kociova, S.;  Smerkova, K.;  Kruszynski, R.;  Bienko, A.;  Kaj, M.;  Lewinska, A.;  Bienko, D.;  Malik-Gajewska, M.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Kopel, P.;  Heger, Z.; Adam, V., Synthesis and structural characterization of antimicrobial binuclear copper (II) coordination compounds bridged by hydroxy- and/or thiodipropionic acid. J. Inorg. Biochem. 2019, 191, 8-20.
  • Jelinkova, P.; Vesely, R.;  Cihalova, K.;  Hegerova, D.;  Ananbeh, H. A. A.;  Richtera, L.;  Smerkova, K.;  Brtnicky, M.;  Kynicky, J.;  Moulick, A.; Adam, V., Effect of arsenic (III and V) on oxidative stress parameters in resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Environ. Res. 2018, 166, 394-401.
  • Skalickova, S.; Milosavljevic, V.;  Cihalova, K.;  Horky, P.;  Richtera, L.; Adam, V., Selenium nanoparticles as a nutritional supplement. Nutrition 2017, 33, 83-90.
  • Hegerova, D.; Vesely, R.;  Cihalova, K.;  Kopel, P.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Heger, Z.;  Hynek, D.;  Guran, R.;  Vaculovicova, M.;  Sedlacek, P.; Adam, V., Antimicrobial Agent Based on Selenium Nanoparticles and Carboxymethyl Cellulose for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections. J. Biomed. Nanotechnol. 2017, 13 (7), 767-777.
  • Cihalova, K.; Hegerova, D.;  Jimenez, A. M.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Kudr, J.;  Skalickova, S.;  Hynek, D.;  Kopel, P.;  Vaculovicova, M.; Adam, V., Antibody-free detection of infectious bacteria using quantum dots-based barcode assay. J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2017, 134, 325-332.
  • Cihalova, K.; Hegerova, D.;  Dostalova, S.;  Jelinkova, P.;  Krejcova, L.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Krizkova, S.;  Kopel, P.; Adam, V., Particle-based immunochemical separation of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus with indirect electrochemical detection of labeling oligonucleotides. Anal. Methods 2016, 8 (25), 5123-5128.
  • Kudr, J.; Nejdl, L.;  Skalickova, S.;  Zurek, M.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Kensova, R.;  Ruttkay-Nedecky, B.;  Kopel, P.;  Hynek, D.;  Novotna, M.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Use of nucleic acids anchor system to reveal apoferritin modification by cadmium telluride nanoparticles. J. Mat. Chem. B 2015, 3 (10), 2109-2118.
  • Kominkova, M.; Michalek, P.;  Cihalova, K.;  Guran, R.;  Cernei, N.;  Nejdl, L.;  Smerkova, K.;  Dostalova, S.;  Chudobova, D.;  Heger, Z.;  Vesely, R.;  Gumulec, J.;  Kynicky, J.;  Xhaxhiu, K.;  Zitka, O.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Study of Linkage between Glutathione Pathway and the Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli from Patients’ Swabs. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16 (4), 7210-7229.
  • Chudobova, D.; Cihalova, K.;  Skalickova, S.;  Zitka, J.;  Rodrigo, M. A. M.;  Milosavljevic, V.;  Hynek, D.;  Kopel, P.;  Vesely, R.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., 3D-printed chip for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus labeled with gold nanoparticles. Electrophoresis 2015, 36 (3), 457-466.
  • Chudobova, D.; Cihalova, K.;  Jelinkova, P.;  Zitka, J.;  Nejdl, L.;  Guran, R.;  Klimanek, M.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Effects of Stratospheric Conditions on the Viability, Metabolism and Proteome of Prokaryotic Cells. Atmosphere 2015, 6 (9), 1290-1306.
  • Chudobova, D.; Cihalova, K.;  Guran, R.;  Dostalova, S.;  Smerkova, K.;  Vesely, R.;  Gumulec, J.;  Masarik, M.;  Heger, Z.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Influence of microbiome species in hard-to-heal wounds on disease severity and treatment duration. Braz. J. Infect. Dis. 2015, 19 (6), 604-613.
  • Cihalova, K.; Chudobova, D.;  Michalek, P.;  Moulick, A.;  Guran, R.;  Kopel, P.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA Growth and Biofilm Formation after Treatment with Antibiotics and SeNPs. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16 (10), 24656-24672.
  • Nejdl, L.; Kudr, J.;  Cihalova, K.;  Chudobova, D.;  Zurek, M.;  Zalud, L.;  Kopecny, L.;  Burian, F.;  Ruttkay-Nedecky, B.;  Krizkova, S.;  Konecna, M.;  Hynek, D.;  Kopel, P.;  Prasek, J.;  Adam, V.; Kizek, R., Remote-controlled robotic platform ORPHEUS as a new tool for detection of bacteria in the environment. Electrophoresis 2014, 35 (16), 2333-2345.
  • Chudobova, D.; Cihalova, K.;  Dostalova, S.;  Ruttkay-Nedecky, B.;  Rodrigo, M. A. M.;  Tmejova, K.;  Kopel, P.;  Nejdl, L.;  Kudr, J.;  Gumulec, J.;  Krizkova, S.;  Kynicky, J.;  Kizek, R.; Adam, V., Comparison of the effects of silver phosphate and selenium nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus growth reveals potential for selenium particles to prevent infection. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 2014, 351 (2), 195-201.