Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the Micalis Institute – a collaborative research unit between the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), AgroParisTech, and the University of Paris-Saclay – have launched a joint laboratory or LabCom called Biofilm1Health. This initiative aims to advance the One Health approach, which holistically addresses animal, human and environmental welfare.
LabCom Biofilm1Health initiative integrates high-throughput biofilm phenotyping and advanced digital tools like artificial intelligence to enhance the beneficial properties of microbial biofilms – communities of microorganisms in a self-produced matrix. By focusing on the positive attributes of biofilms, the initiative aims to reduce chemical inputs and improve animal welfare, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. This collaboration is a crucial step in combating harmful microorganisms and advancing a holistic approach to health for all living systems.
“Biofilm1Health represents a significant step forward in our understanding and application of beneficial microorganisms,” said Mathieu Castex, general manager of Lallemand Animal Nutrition. “By combining our expertise with Micalis Institute’s cutting-edge research, we aim to create more effective and sustainable solutions for animal nutrition and environmental management.”
The joint laboratory will focus on four main research areas:
- Selecting beneficial microbial strains that can outcompete harmful microorganism
- Studying interactions within multi-species biofilms
- Optimizing product formulation for field applications
- Developing methods to study environmental biofilms in situ
“This partnership allows us to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications,” said Romain Briandet, research director at INRAE and B3D team manager at Micalis Institute. “We’re excited to explore how our understanding of biofilms can be translated into real-world solutions that benefit both animals and the environment.”
