IMDO - IOF

One of the IOF-Cores of the VUB

The research group "Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology" (IMDO) was created in 1994 by Prof. dr. ir. Luc De Vuyst, now full professor in industrial microbiology at the Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences of the VUB.

IMDO’s research theme deals with "research and development for a healthy diet". The establishment of IMDO was the actual start of research in food biotechnology at the VUB. IMDO is one of the cornerstones of the VUB’s research in applied biological sciences and engineering and a world player in food fermentation research.

IMDO research and its applications

All IMDO research deals with qualitative and quantitative aspects of food ecosystems and the human colon fermentation process to unravel and develop functional starter cultures and efficient probiotics. Functional starter cultures are starter cultures that, beyond acidification, contribute to enhanced food safety and possess one or more important organoleptic, technological, nutritional, and/or health-promoting advantages. Intensive bioprospecting and analysis of diverse natural food fermentation processes, such as traditional milk, meat, cereal, vegetable and cocoa bean fermentations, are helping to unravel the species diversity and functioning of the micro organisms in these food ecosystems.

To achieve this, IMDO makes use of state-of-the-art technologies and modelling, thereby focusing on lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and staphylococci. Specific metabolic activities are being exploited towards targeted applications, including development of natural, safe, healthy, high quality and authentic food products and prevention of mastitis in milk cows. The effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria and of inulin-type fructans are being studied to improve human gut health.

Thanks to the Industrial Research Fund (IOF), IMDO’s ready-to-use portfolio of functional starter cultures and its contacts with food manufacturers has expanded considerably. Valorisation of up-to-date research results is in the pipeline.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel - Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO)
Head: Luc DE VUYST
Scientific contacts: Frédéric LEROY, Stefan WECKX
Pleinlaan 2 - Building G – 7th floor
1050 Brussels - Belgium
[T] +32 (0)2 629 32 45
[F] +32 (0)2 629 27 20
[W] http://imdo.vub.ac.be