11 June 2026
Introduction
In this edition highlighting researchers who use UNLOCK’s facilities, we spoke with Emmelie Joe Freudenberg Rasmussen, whose research focuses on gaining mechanistic insights into interactions within the gut microbiome. The study investigates how riboflavin dependency influences the growth of the key gut bacterium Faecalibacterium, particularly under oxygenated conditions that resemble the environment near the gut epithelium. By exploring whether riboflavin supplied by an overproducing Lactococcus lactis strain can support the growth of riboflavin-dependent Faecalibacterium strains, the research provides new insights into microbial interactions and survival strategies in the gut. The findings demonstrate that microbial cross-feeding of riboflavin can rescue the growth of riboflavin-auxotrophic Faecalibacterium under oxygenated conditions. The experiments were conducted using the UNLOCK Biodiscovery Platform.
Could you briefly describe the focus of your thesis research?
My research focuses on gaining more mechanistic insights into the microbiome field. Specifically, we currently work on understanding how riboflavin dependency influences riboflavin-mediated extracellular electron transfer (FLEET) of the key gut genus Faecalibacterium.
What were the key goals or research questions you aimed to explore?
We aimed to investigate whether riboflavin supplied by an overproducing Lactococcus lactis strain could support the growth of Faecalibacterium strains with varying riboflavin dependencies.
What methods or technologies did you use as part of your project?
We performed small-scale fermentations and analyzed microbial composition using qPCR, riboflavin levels via fluorescence, as well as pH, sugars, and short-chain fatty acids using HPLC. Additionally, we conducted proteomic analyses.
What were the most significant results or key findings of your study?
We found that the riboflavin-overproducing strain was able to rescue the growth of a riboflavin auxotrophic Faecalibacterium under oxygen-rich conditions, mimicking the environment near the gut epithelium.
Which UNLOCK platforms or tools did you use during your research?
I used the anaerobic bench and the BioLector cultivation platform.
How did UNLOCK facilities support or enhance your work?
UNLOCK provided strong technical support during the initial experiments, ensured reliable operation of equipment, and assisted with troubleshooting and optimization of experimental conditions.
Were there any specific technical challenges or discoveries you encountered while using the platform?
We encountered a minor issue with a gas component detaching in the BioLector, which led to improvements in the SOP. We also gained practical insights into operating the anaerobic bench more effectively by facing some challenges, but these were all resolved or addressed by the team.
What did you find most valuable about working with UNLOCK?
Their focus and expertise in anaerobic workflows, along with the highly supportive and collaborative staff, were particularly valuable.
Has your experience with the platform influenced your current or future research direction?
To some extent. It demonstrated that anaerobic cultivation is highly feasible with the right workflow and expertise, which has motivated me to continue in that field of research.
Do you have any advice or tips for future students or researchers planning to work with UNLOCK?
Prepare thoroughly in advance and actively engage with the UNLOCK team. Their input on ideas, experimental design, and technical considerations is extremely valuable.
