A Collection of 5,000+ Autochthonous LAB Strains for R&D and Innovation

LABbank is a unique collection of more than 5,000 autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains collected over 30 years from traditional fermented foods and other natural habitats, including indigenous dairy products, fermented vegetables and fruits, sausages, plants, and bees.

The collection represents a valuable source of microbial diversity for the discovery and development of novel probiotic, starter, adjunct, antimicrobial, and other functional cultures. Most strains have been morphologically, physiologically, and phenotypically characterized and identified to the species level by 16S rDNA sequencing. Many strains have also been evaluated for technological properties relevant to food applications, and detailed information on strain origin and characteristics is maintained.

We are seeking academic and industrial R&D partners interested in advanced genomic and functional characterization, screening and validation of selected strains, discovery of novel bioactive properties, and development of innovative probiotic and starter cultures.

Potential collaboration models include joint research projects, grant proposals, sponsored research, contract research, technology development, licensing, and commercialization.

Next steps could include selection of strains according to partner requirements, followed by targeted genomic, functional, safety, technological, or application-oriented characterization and joint development of promising candidates.