Food Microbiology
General Introduction
Food microbiology is a scientific discipline that focuses on topics such as microorganisms responsible for food spoilage and health risks, food preservation methods, fermentation microbiology, foodborne microorganisms, the isolation and enumeration of microorganisms in foods, factors affecting microbial growth, and food safety. It draws on knowledge from various scientific fields, including general microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, environmental sciences, biotechnology, fermentation, and industrial microbiology.
The main research areas of the Food Microbiology Research Group include the isolation and identification of foodborne pathogens and beneficial microorganisms; investigation of natural antimicrobials and their effects on pathogens; exploration of the antimicrobial activities of metabolites produced by lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria; development of decontamination methods to enhance microbial safety; and evaluation of novel food processing technologies and their impacts on food quality, and the development of encapsulation technologies for microorganisms. Additional focus areas involve the determination of probiotic properties of microorganisms isolated from various sources, production of fermented foods, formulation of functional foods, and the development of plant-based probiotic products. These research efforts aim to promote food safety, support public health, and contribute to the creation of innovative, sustainable food systems.
Subject areas covered include food microbiology, hygiene, sanitation, food safety, antimicrobials, fermentations, innovative food processing technologies, encapsulation technology, lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, probiotics, and food-borne pathogens.
Members
Prof.Dr. Gülten TİRYAKİ GÜNDÜZ
Research Assistants
Res. Asst. Ayşegül KIRMIZIGÜL PEKER
Useful Links
FDA Search, www.fda.gov/search.html
USDA Search, www.usda.gov/search/index.htm
Institute of Food Science and Technology, www.ifst.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
Gıda ve Kontrol Genel Müdürlüğü, www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM
