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Green
Microbiology
Lab
Green Microbiology Lab

Advancing sustainable solutions through microbial innovation.

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The Green Microbiology Lab is dedicated to exploring microbial applications that promote sustainability across various sectors. Our interdisciplinary research combines genetics, biochemistry, structural biology, chemistry, engineering, and computational modeling to develop innovative solutions for global challenges.

adenike and oyenka

Our lab is led by Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu, a pioneer in Green Microbiology and a leading voice in microbial sustainability research. Together with Dr. Helen Onyeaka and a team of experts, we explore the role of microbes in food security, water sustainability, climate change, and renewable energy.

We combine genetics, biochemistry, synthetic biology, computational modeling, and environmental microbiology to develop cutting-edge microbial applications that address global sustainability challenges.

Join our Lab

Our research focuses on the following key areas:

1. Microbial Solutions for Food Security
• Development of biofertilizers and biopesticides.
• Engineering microbial protein sources (mycoproteins) for sustainable food systems.

2. Water Purification & Bioremediation.

• Using microbial consortia for wastewater treatment.
• Studying microbes that degrade pollutants in coastal and marine ecosystems.

3. Renewable Energy & Biofuels.

• Engineering microbial fuel cells and biohydrogen production systems.
• Algae-based biofuels and circular bioeconomy solutions.

4. Microbes & Climate Change Mitigation

• Investigating carbon-sequestering microbes.
• Using microbial ecosystems to reduce methane and greenhouse gas emissions.

5. AI & Microbial Technology.

• Machine learning models for predicting microbial interactions.
• AI-assisted microbial discovery for bioremediation and agriculture.

  • Join Our Lab
2025
  • Hart, A., Onyeaka, H., & Obileke, K. C. (2025). Biomass conversion technologies for a circular carbon economy. In Advances in Sustainable Applications of Microalgae (pp. 343-369). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22127-9.00015-9
  • Onyeaka, H., Hart, A., & Obileke, K. C. (2025). Enhancing carbon neutrality: The role of biomass in CO₂ uptake. In Advances in Sustainable Applications of Microalgae (pp. 73-93). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-22127-9.00003-2
  • Kabir, M. P., Mercier, É., Eid, W., Plaza-Diaz, J., D’Aoust, P. M., Landgraff, C., Goodridge, L., Lawal, O. U., Wan, S., Hegazy, N., Nguyen, T., Wong, C., Thakali, O., Pisharody, L., Stephenson, S., Graber, T. E., & Delatolla, R. (2025). Diagnostic performance of allele-specific RT-qPCR and genomic sequencing in wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Eco-Environment & Health, 100135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100135
  • Andreasen, M. R., Jansåker, F., Iversen, J., Lawal, O. U., Miragaia, M., Gonçalves, L., … & Knudsen, J. D. (2025). Minimum initiatory concentration distribution of Mecillinam in clinical Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolates from Europe. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2025.01.015
2024
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Recycling technologies for biopolymers: Current challenges and future directions. Polymers, 16(19), 2770. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192770
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Onyeaka, H. N., & Tamasiga, P. (2024). Climate-smart agriculture as a possible solution to mitigate climate change impact on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Food and Energy Security, 13(1), e509. https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.509
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Onyeaka, H., & Arijeniwa, F. V. (2024). Harnessing green microbiology for sustainable water management, agriculture, and energy generation: Current advances and future prospects. World Water Policy. https://doi.org/10.1002/wwp2.12215
  • Isaac-Bamgboye, F. J., Mgbechidinma, C. L., Onyeaka, H., Isaac-Bamgboye, I. T., et al. (2024). Exploring the potential of postbiotics for food safety and human health improvement. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2024(1), 1868161. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1868161
  • Kyaw, K. S., Adegoke, S. C., Ajani, C. K., Nwabor, O. F., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Toward in-process technology-aided automation for enhanced microbial food safety and quality assurance in milk and beverages processing. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 64(6), 1715–1735. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2123401
  • Siyanbola, K. F., Ejiohuo, O., Ade-adekunle, O. A., Adekunle, F. O., Onyeaka, H., Furr, C. L. L., Hodges F. E., Carvalho P.& Oladipo, E. K. (2024). Bacteriophages: Sustainable and effective solution for climate-resilient agriculture. Sustainable Microbiology, 1(1), qvae025. https://doi.org/10.1093/sumbio/qvae025
  • Tchonkouang, R. D., Onyeaka, H., & Nkoutchou, H. (2024). Assessing the vulnerability of food supply chains to climate change-induced disruptions. Science of the Total Environment, 920, 171047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171047
  • Ejiohuo, O., Onyeaka, H., Akinsemolu, A., Nwabor, O. F., Siyanbola, K. F., & Others. (2024). Ensuring water purity: Mitigating environmental risks and safeguarding human health. Water Biology and Security, 100341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watbs.2024.100341
  • Mekonnen, S. A., Jalata, D. D., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Building resilience in Sub‐Saharan Africa’s food systems: Diversification, traceability, capacity building and technology for overcoming challenges. Food and Energy Security, 13(4), e563. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fes3.563
  • Anumudu, C. K., Miri, T., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Multifunctional applications of lactic acid bacteria: Enhancing safety, quality, and nutritional value in foods and fermented beverages. Foods, 13(23), 3714. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233714
  • Ifedinezi, O. V., Nnaji, N. D., Anumudu, C. K., Ekwueme, C. T., Uhegwu, C. C., Ihenetu, F. C., … & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Environmental antimicrobial resistance: Implications for food safety and public health. Antibiotics, 13(11), 1087. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111087
  • Apeh, A. C., Apeh, C. C., Ukwuaba, S. I., Agbugba, I. K., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Exploring data sources and farmers’ perceptions regarding agrochemical use and food safety in Nigeria. JSFA Reports, 4(8), 304-315. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsf2.212
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Harnessing green microbiology for sustainable water management, agriculture and energy generation: Current advances and future prospects. World Water Policy. https://doi.org/10.1002/wwp2.12215
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. N. (2024). Can Methylococcus capsulatus revolutionize methane capture and utilization for sustainable energy production? SynBio, 2(3), 311-328. https://doi.org/10.3390/synbio2030019
  • Onyeaka, H. N., Akinsemolu, A. A., Siyanbola, K. F., & Adetunji, V. A. (2024). Green microbe profile: Rhizophagus intraradices—A review of benevolent fungi promoting plant health and sustainability. Microbiology Research, 15(2), 1028-1049.
  • Ghosh, S., Onyeaka, H., Gryzenhout, M., Xavier-Santos, S., Bornman, C., & others. (2024). Endophytic fungi from the lab to the factory: Biostimulants’ recent developments. Endophytic Fungi, 339-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99314-2.00004-8
  • Taiwo, O. R., Onyeaka, H., Oladipo, E. K., Oloke, J. K., & Chukwugozie, D. C. (2024). Advancements in predictive microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6612162
  • Han, Y., Akinsemolu, A. A., Anumudu, C. K., Miri, T., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Antimicrobial activity of diffusible substances produced by Lactococcus lactis against Bacillus cereus in a non-contact co-culture model. Hygiene, 4(4), 469-482. https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene4040035
  • Anumudu, C. K., Miri, T., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Multifunctional Applications of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Enhancing Safety, Quality, and Nutritional Value in Foods and Fermented Beverages. Foods, 13(23), 3714. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233714
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2022). Water as food: Remediation, decontamination, and purification. Nanobiotechnology for Sustainable Food Management, 188-201. CRC Press.
  • Duan, K., Onyeaka, H., & Pang, G. (2024). Leveraging blockchain to tackle food fraud: Innovations and obstacles. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 101429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101429
  • waiwu, O., & Onyeaka, H. (2021). Acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of Escherichia coli obtained from Nigeria. Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control. https://orcid.org/0000
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Onyeaka, H., Odion, S., & Adebanjo, I. (2024). Exploring Bacillus subtilis: Ecology, biotechnological applications, and future prospects. Journal of Basic Microbiology, 64(6), 2300614. https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202300614
  • Onyeaka, H., Akinsemolu, A. A., Tamasiga, P., & Miri, T. (2024). Advancing food security: The role of machine learning in pathogen detection. Applied Food Research, 100532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2024.100532
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Advances in hydrogel polymers for microbial control in water systems. Polymers, 16(15), 2205. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152205
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2024). Application of green microbiology for microplastic remediation: Current progress and future perspectives. Environmental Advances, 100569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100569
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. N. (2024). Microorganisms Associated with Food Spoilage and Foodborne Diseases. In Food Safety and Quality in the Global South (pp. 489-531). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-2428-4_16
  • D’Aoust, P. M., Hegazy, N., Ramsay, N. T., Yang, M. I., Dhiyebi, H. A., Edwards, E., … & Delatolla, R. (2024). SARS-CoV-2 viral titer measurements in Ontario, Canada wastewaters throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific data, 11(1), 656. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03414-w
  • Bhandare, S., Lawal, O. U., Colavecchio, A., Cadieux, B., Zahirovich-Jovich, Y., Zhong, Z., … & Goodridge, L. (2024). Genomic and phenotypic analysis of salmonella enterica bacteriophages identifies two novel phage species. Microorganisms, 12(4), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040695
  • Lawal, O. U., & Goodridge, L. (2024). TSPDB: A curated resource of tailspike proteins with potential applications in phage research. Frontiers in Big Data, 7, 1437580. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdata.2024.1437580
  • Overton, A. K., Knapp, J. J., Lawal, O. U., Gibson, R., Fedynak, A. A., Adebiyi, A. I., … & Charles, T. C. (2024). Genomic surveillance of Canadian airport wastewater samples allows early detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26534. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76925-6
  • Karama, M., Lawal, O. U., Parreira, V. R., Soni, M., Chen, Y., Cenci-Goga, B. T., … & Goodridge, L. (2024). Draft genome sequences of three poultry Salmonella Shamba isolates from South Africa. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 13(9), e00300-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00300-24
  • Founou, Luria Leslie, Opeyemi U. Lawal, Armando Djiyou, Erkison Ewomazino Odih, Daniel Gyamfi Amoako, Stephane Fadanka, Mabel Kamweli Aworh et al. “Enable, Empower, Succeed: Harnessing Open Science for Antimicrobial Resistance Containment.” bioRxiv (2024): 2024-02. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.20.580892
  • Lawal, O. U., Bryan, N., Parreira, V. R., Anderson, R., Chen, Y., Precious, M., & Goodridge, L. (2024). Phylogenomics of novel clones of Aeromonas veronii recovered from a freshwater lake reveals unique biosynthetic gene clusters. Microbiology Spectrum, 12(12), e01171-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01171-24
2023
  • Onyeaka, H., Tamasiga, P., Nwauzoma, U. M., Miri, T., Juliet, U. C., & Nwaiwu, O. (2023). Using artificial intelligence to tackle food waste and enhance the circular economy: Maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact—A review. Sustainability, 15(13), 10482. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310482
  • Nnaji, N. D., Onyeaka, H., Miri, T., & Ugwa, C. (2023). Bioaccumulation for heavy metal removal: A review. SN Applied Sciences, 5, 125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-023-04852-3
  • Onyeaka, H., Miri, T., Hart, A., & Anumudu, C. (2023). Preventing chemical contaminants in food: Challenges and prospects for safe and sustainable food production. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 22(1), 135-155. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.13019
  • Ghosh, S., Rusyn, I., Dmytruk, O. V., Dmytruk, K. V., Onyeaka, H., Gryzenhout, M., & others. (2023). Filamentous fungi for sustainable remediation of pharmaceutical compounds, heavy metal, and oil hydrocarbons. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 11, 1106973. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1106973
  • Ghosh, S., Falyouna, O., Onyeaka, H., Malloum, A., Bornman, C., AlKafaas, S. S., & others. (2023). Recent progress on the remediation of metronidazole antibiotic as emerging contaminant from water environments using sustainable adsorbents: A review. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 51, 103405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2023.103405
  • Tchonkouang, R. D., Onyeaka, H., & Miri, T. (2023). From waste to plate: Exploring the impact of food waste valorisation on achieving zero hunger. Sustainability, 15(13), 10571. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310571
  • Finn, L., Onyeaka, H., & O’Neill, S. (2023). Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in food-associated environments: A persistent enigma. Foods, 12(18), 3339. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183339
  • Okonkwo, C. E., Hussain, S. Z., Onyeaka, H., Adeyanju, A. A., Nwonuma, C. O., & others. (2023). Lignin polyphenol: From biomass to innovative food applications, and influence on gut microflora. Industrial Crops and Products, 206, 117696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.117696
  • Ndukwe, J. K., Aduba, C. C., Ughamba, K. T., Chukwu, K. O., Eze, C. N., Nwaiwu, O., & others. (2023). Diet diversification and priming with Kunu: An indigenous probiotic cereal-based non-alcoholic beverage in Nigeria. Beverages, 9(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages9010014
  • Ghosh, S., Pourebrahimi, S., Malloum, A., Ajala, O. J., AlKafaas, S. S., Onyeaka, H., & others. (2023). A review on ciprofloxacin removal from wastewater as a pharmaceutical contaminant: Covering adsorption to advanced oxidation processes to computational studies. Materials Today Communications, 37, 107500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107500
  • Celen, T., Anumudu, C., Miri, T., Onyeaka, H., & Fernandez-Trillo, P. (2023). Nisin: Carboxymethylcellulose polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticles. Preparation and antimicrobial activity. Carbohydrate Polymers, 317, 121032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121032
  • Odeyemi, O. A., Dabadé, D. S., Amin, M., Dewi, F. R., Kasan, N. A., Onyeaka, H., … & Stratev, D. (2023). Microbial diversity of bivalve shellfish and the use of innovative technologies for preservation, monitoring and shelf-life extension. Food Research, 7(2), 209-221. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.7(2).998
  • Nnaji, N. D., Ughamba, K. T., Onyeaka, H., Anyanwu, C. U., Al-Sharify, Z., & Miri, T. (2023). Biostimulatory potentials of plantain skin on soils polluted with used motor oil. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2787(1).
  • Odeyemi, O. A., Amin, M., Dewi, F. R., Kasan, N. A., Onyeaka, H., Stratev, D., & others. (2023). Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens in retail seafood sold in Malaysia.
  • Onyeaka, H., & Chukwugozie, D. C. (2023). Closing the loop: How circular economy approaches can tackle food waste and promote sustainability. SustainE, 1(1), 151-162. https://doi.org/10.55366/suse.v1i1.9
  • Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Principles of green microbiology: The microbial blueprint for sustainable development. Environmental Advances, 14, 100440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2023.100440
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2023). Exploring the role of green microbes in sustainable bioproduction of biodegradable polymers. Polymers, 15(23), 4617. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234617
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Onyeaka, H., & Fagunwa, O. (2023). Toward a resilient future: The promise of microbial bioeconomy. Sustainability, 15(9), 7251. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097251
  • Onyeaka, H., Akinsemolu, A. A., Tamasiga, P., & Bakwena, M. (2023). The inter-relationship between climate change, inequality, poverty, and food security in Africa: A bibliometric review and content analysis approach. Sustainability, 15(7), 5628. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075628
  • Fagunwa, O. E., Mthiyane, T., Fagunwa, A., Olayemi, K. I., Alozie, A., Onyeaka, H., & Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Priority regions for eliminating open defecation in Africa: Implications for antimicrobial resistance. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03478-4
  • Onyeaka, H., Tamasiga, P., Nwauzoma, U. M., Miri, T., Juliet, U. C., Nwaiwu, O., & Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Using artificial intelligence to tackle food waste and enhance the circular economy: Maximising resource efficiency and minimising environmental impact: A review. Sustainability, 15(13), 10482. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310482
  • Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Principles of green microbiology: the microbial blueprint for sustainable development. Environmental Advances, 14, 100440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2023.100440
2022

 

2020
  • Obileke, K. C., Mamphweli, S., Meyer, E. L., Makaka, G., Nwokolo, N., & Onyeaka, H. (2020). Comparative study on the performance of aboveground and underground fixed-dome biogas digesters. Chemical Engineering & Technology, 43(1), 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceat.201900378
2018
  • Akinsemolu, A. A. (2018). The role of microorganisms in achieving the sustainable development goals. Journal of Cleaner Production, 182, 139-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.081
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Akinyosoye, F., & Arotupin, D. (2018). The ecotoxicological dynamics of the coastal marine ecosystem of oil-producing areas in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria. Acta Scientific Microbiology, 1(6), 31-42.
  • Akinsemolu, A. A., Akinyosoye, F. A., & Arotupin, D. J. (2018). Ecotoxicological dynamics of the coastal soil ecosystem of oil producing regions of Ondo State, Nigeria. Open Journal of Ecology, 8(4), 250-269. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2018.84016
2014
  • Akinsemlou, A. A. (2014). Microbiological, physicochemical and genotoxicological assessment of tobacco wastewater. Advances in Applied Science Research, 5(3), 423-438.

Our lab is home to scientists, researchers, postdocs, and students who work together to push the boundaries of Green Microbiology.

Research Team

  • Postdoctoral Fellows
  • PhD & MSc Students
  • Research Assistants
  • Visiting Scholars
  • Meet Our Team
Chiao-An Wang

Chiao-An Wang

Research Interest
Algae culturing, process control and algae application technique.

If you could have a conversation with any microorganism, which one would you choose and why?
Algae. Algae is a mysterious microorganism. Interviewing it could expand my view.

Nnabueze D. Nnaji

Research Interest
Bioremediation

If you could have a conversation with any microorganism, which one would you choose and why?
I will say Escherichia coli due to its exceptional engineering potential, scalability, widespread use, and extensive research available. With its vast genetic toolbox, Escherichia coli offers tremendous opportunities for innovation and advancements in various fields.

Ogueri Nwaiwu

Research Interest
Sustainable microbiology, food safety. Molecular phylogeny and evolution, microbial persistence, biofilms and extracellular polymeric substances.

If you could have a conversation with any microorganism, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose Listeria monocytogenes. My conversation will focus on how it is able to attach on surfaces when stressed.

Christian Anumudu

Christian Anumudu

Research Interest
Food microbiology, safety, and sustainability.

If you could have a conversation with any microorganism, which one would you choose and why?
I will choose Lactococcus lactis and other lactic acid bacteria. We will have a round table discussion to shed more light on how they are different from other pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Hopefully, through this interaction, we will be able to understand their diverse metabolic pathways and the range of useful products they can synthesize which are of industrial use both in the food, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

Interested in collaborating or joining our lab? Get in touch!

  • Location: The Green Microbiology Lab, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Email: info@greenmicrobiologylab.org
  • Website: www.greenmicrobiologylab.org

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