José M. Bruno-Bárcena Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology
4554 Thomas Hall (Formerly Gardner Hall)
Campus Box 7615
Raleigh, NC 27695
Plant and Microbial Biology
Phone: 919-513-1495
Fax: 919-515-7867
E-mail: jbbarcen(at)ncsu.edu
- BS (five years degree) in Biological Science (1991) from the Oviedo University (Asturias-Spain)
- Doctor in Biological Science (1997) from the Tucuman University (Tucuman-Argentina)
- 20 years research experience in Microbial Physiology acquired in prestigious research centers of South America, Europe and United States. Expert in Fermentation and Bioprocessing Technology
Dr. Bruno-Barcena is a translational industrial microbiologist with an effective research program, which includes strong collaborative relationships within the biotechnology industry, and a passion for bioprocess workforce training. As example, he has designed cutting-edge process intended for the production and preservation of a probiotic multi-strain cocktail, later commercialized and currently on the market (Bioflora-Biosidus – Arg). Also just before joining NCSU, he implemented a Biotechnological Pilot Plant, facility successfully spun-off to the private sector (ADM Biopolis S.L. – Spain). During the last two decades at NCSU, has contributed to the teaching, training, and the service mission of the university including inter and intra college teaching efforts with interactions at all levels, from undergraduate and graduate students to industry outreach programs including training of professionals and FDA inspectors. His research projects have focused on microbial physiology, exploring bioreactor technology and traditional fermentation processes using renewable carbon sources. The last 25 years he has produced over 38 peer-reviewed publications, edited a book and 6 book chapters, and 8 invention disclosures.
Dr. Bruno-Barcena’s current projects aim to study the physiology of gut microbial communities using traditional preclinical in-vivo mice models as well as a novel in-vitro approach involving cultivation of infant gut microbial communities using packed-bed reactors. This method is enabling preclinical testing of how different carbon sources present in diets impact the composition of gut microbial communities. This aspect of his research would not be possible without other novel methods he has developed for producing HMOs through heterologous expression of soluble versions of industrially desirable and unique enzymes.
He currently coordinates the Biotechnology concentration within the undergraduate Microbiology program, is a member of the graduate admissions committee for the Master in Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) and a member of the steering committees of the MMB, Masters in Physiology, and Microbiology graduate programs.