Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Principal investigators

Prof. Eglė Lastauskienė

Prof. Renata Gudiukaitė

Group members

Assoc. Prof. Audrius Gegeckas

Assist. Prof. Kotryna Čekuolytė

Assist. Prof. Vilius Malūnavičius

Dr. Greta Gyraitė

Justina Versockienė

PhD students

Gintarė Jakštienė

Veronika Mažrimaitė

Ieva Lenkaitė

Gvidas Katauskas

Justinas Kavoliūnas

Klaudijus Melys

Neda Jonutytė-Trembo

Lina Gegeckienė

Aivaras Vilutis

Antanas Padaiga

Alena Koida

 

 

Research topics

• Search for antimicrobial compounds and agents and evaluation of their potential
• Investigations of the effect of microgravity on the physiology of microorganisms
• Studies of microorganism populations in different environments
• Yeast prion studies
• Microbial enzyme engineering: analysis of phenotype-genotype spaces, development and application of new biocatalysts
• Screening and development of new biocatalysts for hydrolysis of polyester plastics
• The use of microorganisms and/or their enzymes in the biogeotechnology sector
• Cultivation and application of archaea
• Soil microorganism populations, soil-plants-microorganisms' relationships and functions.

Search for antimicrobial compounds and agents and evaluation of their potential; Investigations of the effect of microgravity on the physiology of microorganisms

Since 2015, we are focusing on the application of pulsed electric field (PEF) in the biocontrol of microorganisms. PEF is successfully applied in areas such as: electrotransformation, electrochemotherapy, fluid and environmental sterilization. Our laboratory has successfully optimized electroporation parameters that enable efficient biocontrol of G +, G- bacteria and eukaryotic microorganisms. In order to achieve the most efficient result, electroporation is combined with different chemical compounds and this allows to create a long-term elimination effect of microorganisms. In a study of the effect of microgravity on microorganisms, a phenotype of Candida lusitaniae with super-antifungal resistance was discovered. This has led to studies of the effects of microgravity on the physiology of microorganisms.

Studies of microorganism populations in different environments

Research in the study of microorganism populations across various environments focuses on understanding how these populations adapt to and interact with their surroundings. This field investigates microbial diversity, ecological roles, and the factors influencing the composition and dynamics of microbial communities in both natural and engineered ecosystems. Studies often explore microorganisms in environments such as soil, water, and extreme conditions, as well as in bioremediation contexts. The findings from these studies emphasize the crucial role microorganisms play in environmental processes, providing insights essential for enhancing ecological sustainability, resource management, and environmental health.

In addition to environmental studies, metagenomic research has gained significant attention, particularly in the field of medical research. Metagenomics involves the direct analysis of genetic material from environmental samples, offering profound insights into the human microbiome and its impact on health and disease. By studying microbial populations in human-associated environments, metagenomic research uncovers complex interactions between microbes and their hosts, opening new pathways for personalized medicine and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Yeast prion studies

Prions are altered conformational proteins that form protein aggregates - amyloids - and can be the cause of neurodegenerative diseases in higher mammals. Yeast prions are an excellent model system for amyloid formation, disintegration, and propagation studies. Our research team is actively working to analyze the effect of PEF and various chemical compounds on prion elimination and the structure of prion amyloids.

Engineering of microbial enzymes: analysis of phenotype-genotype spaces, development and application of new biocatalysts

Bacterial enzymes are the prime object of study in our laboratory. Due to having the ability to catalyze reactions that would otherwise require extreme conditions, such enzymes are an eco-friendlier alternative to chemical catalyzers. The aim of our research team is to discover, improve or even design new bacterial enzymes (lipases, esterases, cutinases, keratinases, ureases, etc.), which have the potential to be applied in different industries. For fundamental analysis of target biocatalysts, we use a variety of protein engineering methods: random and site-directed mutagenesis, homologous and nonhomologous recombination methods such as DNA shuffling, SHIPREC, and design of chimeric fused enzymes. We apply principles of systems biology to have a better understanding of our enzymes. We attempt to produce biocatalysts that could have widespread application in various industries: e.g biofuel production, ester synthesis for the cosmetics industry, degradation of feathers using peptidases, peptide production using enzymes, etc.

Our publications covering this topic:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127656

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128331

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.046

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-017-1905-4

Screening and development of new biocatalysts for polyester plastics hydrolysis

In recent years, we started research aimed at combating global plastic pollution. Based on microbial lipases, cutinases, carboxylesterases, and polyethylene terephthalases, we aim to create enzymatic tools for the hydrolysis of polyester plastics (polycaprolactones, polybutylsuccinate, polylactic acid, and polyethylene terephthalate). We work with both native and recombinant microbial enzymes.

Our publications covering this topic:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127656

The use of microorganisms and/or their enzymes in biogeotechnology sector

Biogeotechnology is a new branch of research, which has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of metabolic pathways of various microorganisms in geotechnical applications. We have successfully used microorganisms in the process of biocementation (otherwise known as microorganism-induced calcium carbonate precipitation) for improving the structural strength of concrete or reducing soil erosion. Our laboratory focuses on finding new microorganisms that could potentially be used in the aforementioned process of biocementation. In collaboration with the scientists from VU GMC BChl, the dynamics of biocrystalilzation are analyzed, as well as small-scale bioconsolidation (reinforcement of sand structures) experiments were carried out.

Our publications covering this topic:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116588

Cultivation and application of archaea

One of the latest research directions our work group is the optimization of archaeal microorganism’s cultivation. We aim to find the most economically attractive conditions for the cultivation of the archaeal Halobacterium salinarum. We are developing research related to the production of pigments synthesized by these microorganisms and their possible industrial applications.

Soil microorganism populations, soil-plants-microorganisms' relationships and functions.

Recent years have witnessed a worldwide decline in soil fertility. Soil degradation is primarily due to direct human intervention: tillage, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and other social and economic activities. The main factors that reduce soil fertility are global climate change, rising temperatures, changing soil moisture, and rapid decline in organic and mineral matter available for plant development. All of these abiotic factors have a profound effect on the growth and yield of cereal crops. The most important link in a healthy, fertile and productive soil is the microorganisms that are essential for maintaining the nutrient cycle and fertility. The various microorganisms in the soil cooperate with plants and form associative bonds. The microorganisms present in the plant root area accumulate atmospheric nitrogen, promote the uptake of macro and microelements by the plant roots, release biologically active substances, but the degradation of microorganisms results in the loss of associative relationships with plants. Today it is very important to evaluate the populations of soil microorganisms and their influence on plant vegetative processes.

Projects

Research council of Lithuania funded PhD project “Vibrio in the Baltic Sea and transitional waters and sediments: virulence, antimicrobial resistance, prevalence in microbial communities” S-PD-22-80, supervisor of the project prof. E. Lastauskienė, researcher PhD Greta Gyraitė (2022-2024)

Measure No. 01.2.2-MITA-K-702 “Promotion of commercialization and internationalization of R&D results" (EUREKA) project: "Nanosilver and graphene oxide inks" No. 01.2.2-MITA-K-702-12-0002, head of the project prof. E. Lastauskienė (2021-2022).

Central project management agency, 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703 Promoting of the activity of centers of excellence, innovation technologies and transfer centers, “The Center for Engineering of Next Generation Industrial Enzymes (TVIRTAS)“ No. 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703-03-0023, 2020–2023, researchers prof. E. Lastauskienė, doc. dr. R. Gudiukaitė, dokt. V. Malūnavičius (2020-2023)

National research programme “Sustainability of agro-, forest and water ecosystems” project “The influence of intensive fish farming on aquatic microbiome and resistome”. No. S-SIT-20-6. Head of the project prof. M. Ružauskas. Head of the VU part of the project prof. E. Lastauskienė (2020-2021).

Research council of Lithuania funded PhD project „Analysis of the Geobacillus sp. Synthetized silver nanoparticles mechanisms of action on the biocontrol of pathogenic skin microbiota.“ No. KD-19142. Head of the project prof. E. Lastauskienė, researcher PhD student K. Čekuolytė (2019-2023).

By Science Promotion Fund of Vilnius University funded project “Design of new for industrial application attractive biocatalysts and more effective protein engineering methods development”. Grant No. MSF-JM-1. Head of the project dr. R. Gudiukaitė, researcher PhD student V. Malūnavičius (2019-2020).

Research Council of Lithuania Towards the Future Technologies Program project: Electro-magnetoporation mediated biocontrol of the microgravity affected and skin infections causative microorganisms ELMIGRAV (No. LAT-02/2016). Head of the Vilnius university part of the project prof. E. Lastauskienė (2016-2018).

Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Taxonomy of Prokaryotes

Principal investigator

Prof. Nomeda Kuisienė

Group members

Dr. Raimonda Baranauskienė

Dr. Rūta Kananavičiūtė

Dr. Tatjana Kirtiklienė

PhD students

Kristina Tamošiūnienė

 

 

 

Research topics

Our laboratory conducts research in four main areas:

• Molecular epidemiology of pathogenic bacteria;
• Search and investigation of biotechnologically important prokaryotic proteins and other bioactive compounds;
• Prokaryotic biodiversity and taxonomic studies;
• Research on the effects of terahertz (THz) radiation on bacterial gene expression and physiology.

Molecular epidemiology of pathogenic bacteria

The primary focus of the molecular epidemiology of pathogenic bacteria research area is the epidemiology of ESCAPE group microorganisms (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Using molecular genotyping, genome analysis, and phenotypic virulence and resistance methods, the dynamics and pathways of the spread of different strains of these bacteria in the community and in healthcare institutions, as well as the factors promoting their dissemination, are assessed. To contribute to the monitoring of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance in clinically and epidemiologically significant microorganisms, the prevalence of antibiotic and disinfectant resistance in pathogenic strains, and the molecular factors underlying this resistance, are evaluated.

Search and investigation of biotechnologically important prokaryotic proteins and other bioactive compounds

This research area focuses on the discovery of new bioactive compounds and the identification of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis, including polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases. Research also covers bacterial synthesis of polysaccharides, such as cellulose, as well as the study of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. In addition, biotechnologically important recombinant proteins are produced using heterologous expression systems. Genome analysis and molecular methods are applied to identify previously uncharacterized proteins in prokaryotic genomes, determine their properties, and evaluate their potential for practical applications.

Prokaryotic biodiversity and taxonomic studies

Our laboratory is the only laboratory in Lithuania professionally engaged in taxonomic studies of prokaryotes. We use our taxonomic knowledge to study the diversity and role of microorganisms in different living environments. Currently, we are paying close attention to studies on the diversity of bacteria involved in interactions between Korean fir and its insect pests. However, the primary focus of our research is the urban microbiome of Vilnius, which affects the quality of life of all city residents. We study changes in microbial communities during adaptation to the urban environment and assess the potential to influence these changes.

Research on the effects of THz radiation on bacterial gene expression and physiology

Investigation of the effects of THz radiation on bacterial gene expression and physiology represents an emerging interdisciplinary field at the interface of physics and microbiology. In collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Applied Electrodynamics and Telecommunications, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, we investigate the impact of THz electromagnetic radiation on bacterial cells. Particular attention is devoted to the identification of potential non-thermal interaction mechanisms and their influence on bacterial gene transcription, stress response pathways, and cell division processes. Our research aims to contribute to a fundamental understanding of electromagnetic field interactions with living systems and to provide a scientific basis for evaluating the safety aspects and biomedical application prospects of THz technologies.

Projects

EU-funded project “Design of compounds inhibiting BACE1 enzymatic activity and Aβ peptide aggregation for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease”, No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0003. Project implementer – Dr. R. Kananavičiūtė (2020–2023).

EU-funded project “Centre for engineering of the next-generation enzymes (TVIRTAS)”, No. 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703-03-0023. Project implementer – Dr. R. Kananavičiūtė (2020–2023).

EU-funded postdoctoral fellowship project “Characterization of bacteriophages from extreme environments”, No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0102. The head of the project ‑ Prof. N. Kuisienė (2020–2022).

EU-funded PhD fellowship project “Investigation of characteristics and transmission of the virulent strains of pathogenic microorganisms in the view of molecular epidemiology”, No. KD-17072. The head of the project ‑ Prof. N. Kuisienė, implementer ‑ T. Kirtiklienė (2017–2021).

Laboratory of Applied Microbiology

Principal investigator

Assoc. Prof. Alisa Gricajeva

Group members

Dr. Arnoldas Kaunietis

Kristina Aponienė, PhD (associated researcher)

Ruslan Bikmurzin

Master's student

Jūratė Udraitė

Angelina Kropa

Julija Sitiajeva

 

Research topics

Main research topics of the research group: 

• Search and Investigation of Microbial Pyrethroid-Degrading Carboxylesterases, Novel Bacteriocins, and Other Bioactive Metabolites with Broad-Spectrum Activity
• Development of Safe Biofilm Control Strategies Based on Quorum Sensing Interference and Antimicrobial Photoinactivation
• Human Microbiome and Pancreatitis 

Search and Investigation of Microbial Pyrethroid-Degrading Carboxylesterases, Novel Bacteriocins, and Other Bioactive Metabolites with Broad-Spectrum Activity

One of the principal research directions pursued by our group focuses on the discovery, identification, biochemical characterization, and functional analysis of microbial carboxylesterases (lipolytic enzymes) involved in the biodegradation of synthetic pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are among the most extensively applied insecticides in agriculture, public health, and domestic environments; however, their chemical stability and persistence contribute to environmental accumulation, posing risks to non-target organisms. Furthermore, their entry into the human food chain and chronic exposure have been associated with adverse health outcomes. These concerns highlight the urgent need for environmentally sustainable strategies enabling efficient detoxification and removal of synthetic pyrethroid residues from contaminated ecosystems.

In this context, our research targets the isolation of pyrethroid-degrading microorganisms and the identification of novel esterase-encoding genes through genome mining, functional metagenomics, and recombinant expression approaches—building directly on our ongoing work with environmental isolates. The resulting enzymes are evaluated not only for their biodegradation efficiency toward ester-containing xenobiotics, but also for their potential application in synthetic biotransformations relevant to industrial biotechnology, including the production of biodiesel precursors and value-added aromatic esters.

A complementary research line within this thematic area involves the exploration of ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) produced by bacteria. These structurally diverse molecules exhibit distinct modes of action and inhibitory spectra, making them promising candidates for next-generation antimicrobial strategies. In the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance, bacteriocins represent viable alternatives to conventional antibiotics for clinical use as well as natural food preservatives targeting spoilage-associated and pathogenic microorganisms in food-processing environments.

In addition, our group investigates biologically active polysaccharides such as yeast-derived β-glucans, which exhibit immunomodulatory properties and hold considerable commercial potential in nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Their structural diversity and biological activity make them attractive candidates for the development of functional biomaterials with health-promoting effects.

Development of Safe Biofilm Control Strategies Based on Quorum Sensing Interference and Antimicrobial Photoinactivation

In parallel, the research group is actively engaged in the development of safe and sustainable bacterial biofilm control strategies tailored for use in confined, closed-loop environments. In collaboration with the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, a novel antimicrobial photoinactivation (API) technology based on natural photosensitizers is being developed for application in food-processing systems, healthcare facilities, and other sensitive environments where conventional disinfection approaches may be insufficient or chemically undesirable.

Biofilms formed by thermophilic spore-forming Gram-positive bacteria represent a persistent hygienic and economic burden in the global food industry. These microorganisms are capable of surviving high-temperature processing conditions, adhering to abiotic surfaces, and forming structurally robust biofilms that exhibit increased tolerance to standard sanitation procedures. While the physicochemical aspects of thermophilic biofilm formation have been partially described, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms—particularly those involving quorum sensing (QS) systems—remain insufficiently understood.

Accordingly, one of the key objectives of the group is to elucidate the regulatory role of QS in biofilm development, with particular emphasis on the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling pathway mediated by the luxS gene. By targeting microbial communication pathways rather than cellular viability per se, this research direction seeks to introduce a paradigm shift in industrial hygiene practices—from microbicidal eradication toward behavior-based biofilm control. The integration of QS interference strategies with natural photosensitizer-based API platforms offers a promising route for mitigating biofilm-associated contamination in thermally stressed environments, while minimizing the risk of resistance development and preserving environmental and material compatibility. 

 

Human Microbiome and Pancreatitis 

This research direction investigates the relationship between the human oral and gut microbiome and acute pancreatitis (AP). It is based on the ongoing project “Associations between Acute Pancreatitis and Human Microbiome (MICROPANC)”, which employs next‑generation 16S rRNA sequencing to identify microbiome alterations linked to AP severity and systemic inflammation. 

The research is carried out in collaboration with Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, comparing microbiome profiles of AP patients with those of healthy controls. The findings provide deeper insights into disease mechanisms and support the identification of early, non‑invasive biomarkers for predicting AP severity. 

The enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, and regulatory systems investigated by our research group are of significant interest for both applied biotechnology and fundamental research. The group’s expertise in microbial enzyme discovery, bioactive metabolite characterization, and biofilm control is reflected not only in peer-reviewed scientific publications but also in active participation in nationally and internationally funded research initiatives, including projects supported by the ESA and EU frameworks. In addition, the group maintains close collaborations with regional industry partners facilitating the translation of fundamental microbiological insights into practical solutions for environmental remediation, food safety, and sustainable production systems. 

Projects

Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) funded project “The role of quorum sensing in the biofilm development dynamics of thermophilic food industry relevant bacteria: regulation and control strategies (ThermoBioQS)” No. S-MIP-25-38. Principal investigator Dr. Alisa Gricajeva (2025-2028).

Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) funded project “Associations between Acute Pancreatitis and Human Microbiome (MICROPANC)”, project No S‑MIP‑25‑53. Principal Investigator Dr. A. Kaunietis (2025–2028).

Project funded by Vilnius University Science Fund “Development of a strategy for destroying biofilms formed by thermophilic bacteria using blue light and quorum sensing disrupting agents”. Project No. MSF-JM-07/2023, Head of the project – Dr. Alisa Gricajeva (2023-2024).

EU funded project “Centre for Engineering of the Next-Generation Enzymes (TVIRTAS)”, No. 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703-03-0023. Project implementer – Dr. Arnoldas Kaunietis (2020–2023).

Project funded by Agency of Science, Innovation and Technology; technological development project “Prototype of Antimicrobial Photoinactivation to Protect Strawberries from Mold Phytopathogens in Greenhouses (AFIP)”, No. TPP-04-018. Chief researcher – Prof. Dr. Lilija Kalėdienė, implementer – Dr. Alisa Gricajeva (2021–2022).

EU funded postdoctoral fellowship project “Development of Heterologous Gene Expression System for Thermophilic Bacteria”, No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0054. Project implementer – Dr. Arnoldas Kaunietis (2020–2022).

International European Space Agency Project “Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Approach Based on Natural Agents for Control of Bacteria Biofilms in Spacecraft”. Feasibility Study. Fifth call under the plan for European cooperating states in Lithuania. LT5_1 Contract No. 40000129495/19/NL/SSC). Chief researcher – Prof. Dr. Lilija Kalėdienė, Researcher – Dr. Alisa Gricajeva (2020–2021).

Project funded by Vilnius University Science Fund “Identification and Purification of Novel Bacteriocin from Thermophilic Bacterium”, No. MSF-JM-17. Project supervisor and implementer – Dr. Arnoldas Kaunietis (2019–2020).

Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Eukaryotic Microorganisms

List of publications of employees, PhD students, and BSc or MSc students 

2025

Espíndola-Hernández, P., Banerjee, S., Abdulmalik, A. O., Andrade-Linares, D., Baldi, G., Berg, G., Brearley, F. Q., Flocco, C. G., Galgani, L., Gegeckienė, L., Gschwendtner, S., Hensen, T., Kostic, T., Ledesma-Amaro, R., Maier, L., Marciniak, A., Ohan, J., Overmann, J., Rito, T., … Schloter, M. (2026). A trait-based framework to identify microbial keystone taxa for microbiome engineering. Cell Reports Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100615

Urbelienė, N., Gasparavičiūtė, R., Vaitekūnas, J., Meškienė, R., Valantinaitė, U., Kruopis, P., Gudiukaitė, R., & Meškys, R. (2025). A screening method for polyester films-degrading microorganisms and enzymes. Journal of Hazardous Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137177

Kaziūnienė, J., Gegeckas, A., Lapinskienė, L., Razbadauskienė, K., Mažylytė, R., & Supronienė, S. (2025). Competitiveness and nitrogen fixation efficiency analysis of Rhizobium leguminosarum strains in different field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes. Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161784

Megur, A., Ambrutaitytė, K., Šimoliūnas, E., Lastauskienė, E., & Burokas, A. (2025). Whole-genome sequencing and in vitro probiotic characterization of Pediococcus pentosaceus ELAB 60WB isolated from fermented cherry tomatoes. LWT-Food Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2025.117547

2024

Gyraitė, G., Kataržytė, M., Espinosa, R. P., Kalvaitienė, G., & Lastauskienė, E. (2024). Microbiome and resistome studies of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea coast and the Curonian Lagoon waters and sediments. Antibiotics. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111013

Valciukiene, J., Lastauskiene, E., Laurinaviciene, A., Jakubauskas, M., Kryzauskas, M., Valkiuniene, R. B., Augulis, R., Garnelyte, A., Kavoliunas, J., Silinskaite, U., & Poskus, T. (2025). Interaction of human gut microbiota and local immune system in progression of colorectal adenoma (MIMICA-1): a protocol for a prospective, observational cohort study. Frontiers in Oncology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1495635

Riedinger, D. J., Fernández-Juárez, V., Delgado, L. F., Sperlea, T., Hassenrück, C., Herlemann, D. P. R., Pansch, C., Kataržytė, M., Bruck, F., Ahrens, A., Rakowski, M., Piwosz, K., Stevenson, A., Reusch, T. B. H., Gyraitė, G., Schulz-Bull, D., Benterbusch-Brockmöller, H., Kube, S., Dupke, S., … Labrenz, M. (2024). Control of Vibrio vulnificus proliferation in the Baltic Sea through eutrophication and algal bloom management. Communications Earth & Environment, 5(1), 246. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01410-x

Čekuolytė, K., Šapaitė, D., Žemgulytė, E., Gudiukaitė, R., & Lastauskienė, E. (2024). Induction of Apoptosis with Silver Nanoparticles Obtained Using Thermophilic Bacteria. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 15(6), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15060142

Daunoras, J., Kačergius, A., & Gudiukaitė, R. (2024). Role of Soil Microbiota Enzymes in Soil Health and Activity Changes Depending on Climate Change and the Type of Soil Ecosystem. Biology, 13(2), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020085

Venslauskas, K., Navickas, K., Rubežius, M., Žalys, B., & Gegeckas, A. (2024). Processing of Agricultural Residues with a High Concentration of Structural Carbohydrates into Biogas Using Selective Biological Products. Sustainability, 16(4), 1553. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041553

Kaziūnienė, J., Pini, F., Shamshitov, A., Razbadauskienė, K., Frercks, B., Gegeckas, A., Mažylytė, R., Lapinskienė, L., & Supronienė, S. (2024). Genetic Characterization of Rhizobium spp. Strains in an Organic Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Field in Lithuania. Plants, 13(14), 1888. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141888

Gyraitė, G., Kataržytė, M., Bučas, M., Kalvaitienė, G., Kube, S., Herlemann, D. P. R., Pansch, C., Andersson, A. F., Pitkanen, T., Hokajärvi, A.-M., Annus-Urmet, A., Hauk, G., Hippelein, M., Lastauskienė, E., & Labrenz, M. (2024). Epidemiological and environmental investigation of the ‘big four’ Vibrio species, 1994 to 2021: a Baltic Sea retrospective study. Eurosurveillance. https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.32.2400075

Gyraitė, G., Kataržytė, M., Espinosa, R. P., Kalvaitienė, G., & Lastauskienė, E. (2024). Microbiome and Resistome Studies of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea Coast and the Curonian Lagoon Waters and Sediments. Antibiotics, 13(11), 1013. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111013

Megur, A., Lastauskienė, E., & Burokas, A. (2024). Draft genome sequence data of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 33C isolated from Lithuanian fermented food. Data in Brief. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2024.110750

Malunavicius, V., Vaskevicius, L., Gusaite, A., & Gudiukaite, R. (2024). Rational and random mutagenesis of GDEst-95 carboxylesterase: New functionality insights. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 256, 128331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128331

Mažylytė, R., Kailiuvienė, J., Mažonienė, E., Orola, L., Kaziūnienė, J., Mažylytė, K., Lastauskienė, E., & Gegeckas, A. (2024). The Co-Inoculation Effect on Triticum aestivum Growth with Synthetic Microbial Communities (SynComs) and Their Potential in Agrobiotechnology. Plants, 13(12), 1716. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121716

2023

Malunavicius, V., Padaiga, A., Stankeviciute, J., Pakalniskis, A., & Gudiukaite, R. (2023). Engineered Geobacillus lipolytic enzymes – Attractive polyesterases that degrade polycaprolactones and simultaneously produce esters. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 253, 127656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127656

Kačergius, A., Sivojienė, D., Gudiukaitė, R., Bakšienė, E., Masevičienė, A., & Žičkienė, L. (2023). Comparison of the Structure of Soil Microbial Communities of Different Ecosystems Using the Microbiome Sequencing Approach. Soil Systems, 7(3), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7030070

Venckus, P., Endriukaitytė, I., Čekuolytė, K., Gudiukaitė, R., Pakalniškis, A., & Lastauskienė, E. (2023). Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on the Growth of the Green Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and Astaxanthin Synthesis. Nanomaterials, 13(10), 1618. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101618

Vaskevicius, L., Malunavicius, V., Jankunec, M., Lastauskiene, E., Talaikis, M., Mikoliunaite, L., Maneikis, A., & Gudiukaite, R. (2023). Insights in MICP dynamics in urease-positive Staphylococcus sp. H6 and Sporosarcina pasteurii bacterium. Environmental Research, 234, 116588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116588

Aučinaitė, R., Trumpaitė-Vavagienė, R., Versockienė, J., & Lastauskienė, E. (2023). Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity Against Streptococcus mutans and Solubility of Different Dental Luting Cements In Vitro. Materials Science, 29(1), 111–118. https://doi.org/10.5755/j02.ms.31132

Cekuolyte, K., Gudiukaite, R., Klimkevicius, V., Mazrimaite, V., Maneikis, A., & Lastauskiene, E. (2023). Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Produced Using Geobacillus spp. Bacteria. Nanomaterials, 13(4), 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040702

2022

Gyraitė, G., Kataržytė, M., Bučas, M., Kalvaitienė, G., Kube, S., Herlemann, D. P., Pansch, C., Andersson, A. F., Pitkanen, T., Hokajärvi, A.-M., Annus-Urmet, A., Ianevski, A., Yao, R., Simonsen, R. M., Myhre, V., Ravlo, E., Kaynova, G. D., Zusinaite, E., White, J. M., Polyak, S. J., Oksenych, V., Windisch, M. P., Pan, Q., Lastauskienė, E., Vitkauskienė, A., Matukevičius, A., Tenson, T., Bjørås, M., & Kainov, D. E. (2022). Mono- and combinational drug therapies for global viral pandemic preparedness. IScience, 25(4), 104112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.104112

Greicius, A., Baliutavicius, T., Lastauskiene, E., & Gudiukaite, R. (2022). Application of Milk Permeate as an Inducer for the Production of Microbial Recombinant Lipolytic Enzymes. Fermentation, 9(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010027

Kaziūnienė, J., Mažylytė, R., Krasauskas, A., Toleikienė, M., & Gegeckas, A. (2022). Optimizing the Growth Conditions of the Selected Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Paenibacillus sp. MVY-024 for Industrial Scale Production. Biology, 11(5), 745. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050745

Mažylytė, R., Kaziūnienė, J., Orola, L., Valkovska, V., Lastauskienė, E., & Gegeckas, A. (2022). Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganism Bacillus sp. MVY-004 and Its Significance for Biomineral Fertilizers’ Development in Agrobiotechnology. Biology, 11(2), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020254

Gricajeva, A., Nadda, A. K., & Gudiukaite, R. (2022). Insights into polyester plastic biodegradation by carboxyl ester hydrolases. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 97(2), 359–380. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6745

2021

Gudiukaite, R., Nadda, A. K., Gricajeva, A., Shanmugam, S., Nguyen, D. D., & Lam, S. S. (2021). Bioprocesses for the recovery of bioenergy and value-added products from wastewater: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 300, 113831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113831

Ianevski, A., Yao, R., Zusinaite, E., Lello, L. S., Wang, S., Jo, E., Yang, J., Ravlo, E., Wang, W., Lysvand, H., Løseth, K., Oksenych, V., Tenson, T., Windisch, M. P., Poranen, M. M., Nieminen, A. I., Nordbø, S. A., Fenstad, M. H., Grødeland, G., … Lastauskiene, E. … Kainov, D. E. (2021). Synergistic Interferon-Alpha-Based Combinations for Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections. Viruses, 13(12), 2489. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13122489

Jurgelevičiūtė, J., Bičkovas, N., Sakalauskas, A., Novickij, V., Smirnovas, V., & Lastauskienė, E. (2021). Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields on Yeast with Prions and the Structure of Amyloid Fibrils. Applied Sciences, 11(6), 2684. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062684

Lastauskienė, E., Valskys, V., Stankevičiūtė, J., Kalcienė, V., Gėgžna, V., Kavoliūnas, J., Ružauskas, M., & Armalytė, J. (2021). The Impact of Intensive Fish Farming on Pond Sediment Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Composition. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.673756

Ruzauskas, M., Armalytė, J., Lastauskienė, E., Šiugždinienė, R., Klimienė, I., Mockeliūnas, R., & Bartkienė, E. (2021). Microbial and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Microbiota in Common Carps (Cyprinus carpio) from Aquacultured and Wild Fish Populations. Animals, 11(4), 929. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040929

Savickaite, A., Druteika, G., Sadauskas, M., Malunavicius, V., Lastauskiene, E., & Gudiukaite, R. (2021). Study of individual domains’ functionality in fused lipolytic biocatalysts based on Geobacillus lipases and esterases. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 168, 261–271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.026

Savickaite, A., Sadauskas, M., & Gudiukaite, R. (2021). Immobilized GDEst-95, GDEst-lip and GD-95RM lipolytic enzymes for continuous flow hydrolysis and transesterification reactions. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 173, 421–434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.133

2020

Druteika, G., Sadauskas, M., Malunavicius, V., Lastauskiene, E., Statkeviciute, R., Savickaite, A., & Gudiukaite, R. (2020). New Engineered Geobacillus Lipase GD-95RM for Industry Focusing on the Cleaner Production of Fatty Esters and Household Washing Product Formulations. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 36(3), 41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-020-02816-3

Druteika, G., Sadauskas, M., Malunavicius, V., Lastauskiene, E., Taujenis, L., Gegeckas, A., & Gudiukaite, R. (2020). Development of a New Geobacillus Lipase Variant GDlip43 via Directed Evolution Leading to Identification of New Activity-Regulating Amino Acids. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 151, 1194–1204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.163

Kumar, A., Gudiukaite, R., Gricajeva, A., Sadauskas, M., Malunavicius, V., Kamyab, H., … Pant, D. (2020). Microbial Lipolytic Enzymes – Promising Energy-Efficient Biocatalysts in Bioremediation. Energy, 192, 116674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.116674

Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Taxonomy of Prokaryotes

List of publications of employees, PhD students, and BSc or MSc students 

2025

Bagdonas, M., Stančaitis, L., Urniežius, E., Zakšauskas, A., Mickevičiūtė, A., Kananavičiūtė, R., Rukšėnaitė, A., Juozapaitienė, V., Matulienė, J., Kairys, V., Meyer-Almes, F.-J., Zubrienė, A., & Matulis, D. (2025). Design, synthesis, and binding analysis of target-specific covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmcr.2025.100306

Slavinska, A., Jauneikaite, E., Meškytė, U., Kirkliauskienė, A., Misevič, A., Petrutienė, A., & Kuisienė, N. (2025). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from normally sterile human body fluids in Lithuania from 2016 to 2021. Microbial Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1099/mgen.0.001410

2024

Slavinska, A., Kowalczyk, M., Kirkliauskienė, A., Vizuje, G., Siedlecki, P., Bikulčienė, J., Tamošiūnienė, K., Petrutienė, A., & Kuisiene, N. (2024). Genetic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis isolates recovered from patients with invasive meningococcal disease in Lithuania. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1432197

2023

Šimoliūnas, E., Šimoliūnienė, M., Laskevičiūtė, G., Kvederavičiūtė, K., Skapas, M., Kaupinis, A., Valius, M., Meškys, R., & Kuisienė, N. (2023). Characterization of Parageobacillus Bacteriophage vB_PtoS_NIIg3.2—A Representative of a New Genus within Thermophilic Siphoviruses. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(18), 13980. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813980

Šimoliūnas, E., Šimoliūnienė, M., Laskevičiūtė, G., Kvederavičiūtė, K., Skapas, M., Kaupinis, A., Valius, M., Meškys, R., & Kuisienė, N. (2023). Geobacillus Bacteriophages from Compost Heaps: Representatives of Three New Genera within Thermophilic Siphoviruses. Viruses, 15(8), 1691. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081691

Bagdonas, M., Čerepenkaitė, K., Mickevičiūtė, A., Kananavičiūtė, R., Grybaitė, B., Anusevičius, K., Rukšėnaitė, A., Kojis, T., Gedgaudas, M., Mickevičius, V., Matulis, D., Zubrienė, A., & Matulienė, J. (2023). Screening, Synthesis and Biochemical Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Protease Inhibitors. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(17), 13491. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713491

2022

Kirtikliene, T., Mierauskaitė, A., Razmienė, I., & Kuisiene, N. (2022). Genetic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant E. coli Isolates from Bloodstream Infections in Lithuania. Microorganisms, 10(2), 449. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020449

2021

Kirtikliene, T., Mierauskaitė, A., Razmienė, I., & Kuisiene, N. (2021). Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Genetic Characterization and Spread in Lithuania in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Life, 11(2), 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020151

Lebedeva, J., Jukneviciute, G., Čepaitė, R., Vickackaite, V., Pranckutė, R., & Kuisiene, N. (2021). Genome Mining and Characterization of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Two Cave Strains of Paenibacillus sp. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 612483. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.612483

Lukoseviciute, L., Lebedeva, J., & Kuisiene, N. (2021). Diversity of Polyketide Synthases and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases Revealed Through Metagenomic Analysis of a Deep Oligotrophic Cave. Microbial Ecology, 81(1), 110–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-020-01554-1

Voitechovič, E., Stankevičiūtė, J., Vektarienė, A., Vektaris, G., Jančienė, R., Kuisienė, N., Razumienė, J., Meškys, R. (2021). Bioamperometric Systems with Fructose Dehydrogenase From Gluconobacter japonicus for D‐tagatose Monitoring. Electroanalysis, 33(6), 1393–1397. https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.202060573

2020

Kananavičiūtė, R., Kvederavičiūtė, K., Dabkevičienė, D., Mackevičius, G., & Kuisienė, N. (2020). Collagen-like Sequences Encoded by Extremophilic and Extremotolerant Bacteria. Genomics, 112(3), 2271–2281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.12.023

Laboratory of Applied Microbiology

List of publications of employees, PhD students, and BSc or MSc students 

2025

Aponienė K., Gricajeva, A., Žarkov, A., Dobužinskas, R., Vitta, P. (2025). Evaluation of visible-light-activated ZnO nanoparticles for sustainable postharvest protection of strawberries. Food Control. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111935

Gruškienė, R., Gricajeva, A., & Sereikaitė, J. (2025). Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of nisin-loaded particles with different surface charges. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-025-10737-6

2024

Gricajeva, A., Buchovec, I., Kalėdienė, L., Badokas, K., & Vitta, P. (2024). Evaluation of visible light and natural photosensitizers against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus planktonic cells and biofilm. Heliyon, 10(7), e28811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28811

2023

Bikmurzin, R., Maršalka, A., & Kalėdienė, L. (2023). Solid-State 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Soluble and Insoluble β-Glucans Extracted from Candida lusitaniae. Molecules, 28(24), 8066. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248066

Gricajeva, A., & Kalėdienė, L. (2023). Investigation of amino acids related to Staphylococcus saprophyticus AG1 EstAG1 carboxylesterase catalytic function revealed a new family of bacterial lipolytic enzymes. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 235, 123791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123791

Koniuchovaitė, A., Petkevičiutė, A., Bernotaitė, E., Gricajeva, A., Gegeckas, A., Kalėdienė, L., & Kaunietis, A. (2023). Novel leaderless bacteriocin geobacillin 6 from thermophilic bacterium Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius. Frontiers in microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1207367.s002 

2022

Bikmurzin, R., Bandzevičiūtė, R., Maršalka, A., Maneikis, A., & Kalėdienė, L. (2022). FT-IR Method Limitations for β-Glucan Analysis. Molecules, 27(14), 4616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144616

Gricajeva, A., Buchovec, I., Kalėdienė, L., Badokas, K., & Vitta, P. (2022). Riboflavin- and chlorophyllin-based antimicrobial photoinactivation of Brevundimonas sp. ESA1 biofilms. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.1006723

Gricajeva, A., Nadda, A. K., & Gudiukaite, R. (2022). Insights into polyester plastic biodegradation by carboxyl ester hydrolases. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 97(2), 359–380. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6745

2021

Gudiukaite, R., Nadda, A. K., Gricajeva, A., Shanmugam, S., Nguyen, D. D., & Lam, S. S. (2021). Bioprocesses for the Recovery of Bioenergy and Value-Added Products from Wastewater: A Review. Journal of Environmental Management, 300, 113831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113831

2020

Buchovec, I., Gricajeva, A., Kalėdienė, L., & Vitta, P. (2020). Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Approach Based on Natural Agents for Control of Bacteria Biofilms in Spacecraft. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(18), 6932. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186932

Kumar, A., Gudiukaite, R., Gricajeva, A., Sadauskas, M., Malunavicius, V., Kamyab, H., … Pant, D. (2020). Microbial Lipolytic Enzymes – Promising Energy-Efficient Biocatalysts in Bioremediation. Energy, 192, 116674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.116674