Lipopeptides in biocontrol: high school students visit BioEcoAgro (Trans-Training)

within the framework of the Trans-Training project (Biocontrol 4.0 portfolio) of the Interreg France-Wallonia-Flanders program, we had the pleasure of welcoming high school students to the BioEcoAgro laboratory at Polytech Lille. This visit is part of an initiative to support a sustainable vegetable garden at their school, carried out in partnership between the University of Lille (mission Sciences Avec et Pour la Société) and the Lille Academy Rectorate. During the visit, students were able to place their own activities (soil analyses, practical lab sessions at school, observations) into a broader scientific context. In soils, bacteria contribute to fertility, the recycling of organic matter and the availability of essential nutrients. Some bacteria can also help limit the establishment of harmful microorganisms, notably through the production of secondary metabolites. Among these, lipopeptides are a family that has been studied extensively for their biosurfactant and antimicrobial properties, which are relevant in biocontrol.

Three laboratory platforms visited during the visit

Molecular microbiology platform: discovery of the spaces and equipment used to manipulate microorganisms under optimal conditions. Observation of bacterial and fungal cultures, examples of antifungal test results, and introduction to two key techniques in molecular biology: PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.

Fermentation platform: presentation of scale-up (from milliliter volumes to large volumes) to produce higher amounts of molecules of interest, including lipopeptides. Students discovered the role of a bioreactor/fermenter and the main controlled parameters (temperature, agitation, oxygen, pH).

Analytical platform (HPLC): introduction to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the importance of analytical methods for the identification, quantification and purification of target metabolites.

An Interreg kit given to students   

At the end of the visit, students received an Interreg kit (a document presenting BioEcoAgro’s research project, tote bags, a vegetable bag, notebooks and Interreg Biocontrol 4.0 flyers) to acknowledge their engagement and to strengthen their connection to the project.