The Löffler lab
HOME:
Research in the Löffler Lab centers on discovering microorganisms with novel
properties to clean the environment, counter damage done to ecosystems by
human activity, and improve environmental health. We examine how naturally
occurring bacteria can eliminate or reduce the risk from pollutants including
chlorinated solvents, radioactive wastes and greenhouse gases. In addition, our
team characterizes new kinds of bacteria in an effort to develop innovative
technologies from environmental monitoring and protection to medical
applications.
RESEARCH:
Research in the Löffler lab explores the microbial world to make new discoveries
and advance scientific understanding of natural processes. Innovative scientific
discoveries form the basis for successful collaborations with engineers aimed at
designing and implementing technologies that benefit the environment (e.g.,
bioremediation), promote sustainable development, and protect human health.
The Löffler lab conducts research in five interrelated focal areas: microbial
detoxification of environmental pollutants, bioremediation applications, the design
and use of molecular biological tools (MBTs), environmental genomics, and novel
bacteria. The focus of microbial detoxification is on bacteria that transform
chlorinated compounds, change the valence state of metals and radionuclides,
and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Under bioremediation applications, we
develop microbial consortia and combined biological-physical-chemical treatment
strategies for cleanup of contaminated soils, sediments, and drinking water
aquifers. To support these biologically-mediated remedies, we are identifying
process-specific nucleic acid and protein biomarkers that promote the design of
prognostic and diagnostic tools to detect and quantify organisms of interest, to
monitor their activities, and to describe overall microbial community structure,
dynamics and function. Collaborative efforts with industry partners transition
laboratory findings to the field, enabling efficient bioremediation implementation
and productive site management. Genome analysis supports these efforts and
sheds light on microbial ecology and evolution, in particular mechanisms for
horizontal gene transfer and dissemination of relevant traits. With novel bacteria,
we are obtaining and characterizing interesting new isolates, e.g., members of
the Dehalococcoides cluster, Anaeromyxobacter species, and a novel group of
free-living, pleomorphic spirochetes (FLiPS) with biotechnological and medical
relevance.
This work has received or is currently supported by funds from the Department of
Energy, the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
National Science Foundation, industry partners, and the Carlton Wilder
endowment.
PROJECTS:
Detoxification of chlorinated ethenes
- Design of site assessment and bioremediation monitoring tools (BioReD)
- Standardized procedures and application of nucleic acid-based tools
- Microbially-enhanced PCE-DNAPL dissolution
Biodegradation of chlorinated methanes
Dehalococcoides
Biomolecular mechanisms of metal and radionuclide reduction
Anaeromyxobacter
Environmental proteomics
Bioremediation, biostimulation, bioaugmentation
Characterization of free living, pleomorphic spirochetes (FLiPS)
Genome sequencing projects