Eco-biotechnology and drug development
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We work on a number of topics at the interphase between biology and chemistry.
We are developing eco-sustainable processes based on microorganisms and microbial enzymes and using microbial bioactive metabolites as starting point for further structural optimizations and activity enhancements. We are interested in understanding how evolution shapes the properties of microbial metabolism (proteins, biopolymers and bioactive secondary metabolites) and in the dynamics of complex microbial communities.
The applications of this research range from the environmental applications such as the use of microorganisms for the upcycling of plastic waste into molecules of added value to development of novel methods to fight antibiotic resistant pathogens.
- Plastics & Environment problems through biocatalysis and synthetic biology
- ‘All things bio’ – biomaterials, biofilms, biosensors, biopigments, biosurfactants, bioremediation, bioeconomy…
- Towards next generation eco-friendly and low cost biopharmaceuticals
- Biotechnologically relevant enzymes and directed evolution
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Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
Full research professorEco-biotechnology and drug development
Department of Microbiology and Plant BiologyJasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, PhD, is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, where she leads the Group for Eco-Biotechnology and Drug Development. Her team is dedicated to developing sustainable biotechnological solutions to global challenges such as plastic pollution and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. She earned her PhD from the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia), focusing on the biosynthesis of amphotericin B, a natural antifungal product from Streptomycetes. Following postdoctoral research in the United States and Ireland, she continued her scientific and academic career in Serbia.
Her research centers on innovative approaches in biocatalysis, bioactive bacterial metabolites and the functionalization of bacterial biopolymers, such as bacterial nanocellulose and polyhydroxyalkanoates. She also works on transforming plastic waste into valuable biopigments and biopolymers.
Through numerous national and international projects, including H2020, Horizon Europe and EIC Pathfinder initiatives, Dr Nikodinovic-Runic contributes to the advancement of circular bioeconomy and the development of environmentally friendly technologies. Her scientific achievements include the development and application of efficient biocatalysts, the use of bacterial products in combating fungal and cancer-related diseases and the improvement of methodologies for biopolymer synthesis. She is one of the authors of four international patents in biotechnology and has mentored over twenty PhD candidates, both in Serbia and abroad, significantly contributing to the growth of the next generation of researchers. She is an active member of several European and global scientific societies and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, underscoring her international recognition in applied microbiology and biocatalysis.
Beyond research, she is deeply engaged in science communication through academic and public channels. She strongly advocates for bridging academia and industry through innovation-driven projects, as well as for strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations between science and the arts.
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IMGGE work program for 2025 - Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, 451-03-136/2025-03/200042, 2025
Bioplastics upcycling loop (BioPolyCycle) (2023-2025)
Twinning Innovation Hub for Microbial Platforms in Plastic Upcycling (Twinn4MicroUP) (2024-2027)
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FULL RESEARCH PROFESSOR
ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR
ASSISTANT RESEARCH PROFESSOR
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
JUNIOR RESEARCHER
RESEARCHERS