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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS

@scelse.bsky.social
116 followers 7 following 108 posts

SCELSE advances sustainability and translational impact through cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, driving progress in: • Healthcare, • Industry, • Society, and • Environment

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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Congrats to SCELSE spin-off LoopForBio co-founders Dr Ezequiel Santillan and Dr Soheil Neshat, selected for Activate Global Fellows – Singapore. Their innovation turns food by-products into sustainable aquaculture feed. More on NTU News: www.ntu.edu.sg/news/detail/...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Congratulations to SCELSE PI, A/Prof Rebecca Case on being elected to the ISME Board and appointed an ISME Ambassador for Singapore. @beccase.bsky.social
Congratulations to SCELSE PI, A/Prof Rebecca Case on being elected to the ISME Board and appointed an ISME Ambassador for Singapore. In these roles, she joins ISME’s global network of scientific leaders who help foster collaboration and engagement across the microbial ecology community.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
SCELSE researchers are in Auckland this week for the 20th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME20), taking place from 16–21 Aug 2026. Look out for talks by Prof Cynthia Whitchurch and Dr Sujatha Srinivas tomorrow. @cwhitch.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
#ISME20: If you're at the conference in Auckland, and missed these presentations by SCELSE experts, simply start a conversation with Asst Prof Laura Nolan @drlauranolan.bsky.social or follow A/Prof Yann Boucher on LinkedIn. 📍ISME20 | Auckland, New Zealand | 16–21 August 2026
SCELSE researchers are in Auckland this week for the 20th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME20), taking place from 16–21 Aug 2026. They will chair sessions and share research spanning plant and soil microbiomes, microbial evolution, food and One Health, climate change, marine microbes, antimicrobial discovery and microbiome-based conservation.

Look out for ...
Mon, 17 Aug
• A/Prof Sanjay Swarup — Chair and invited speaker, Harnessing plant and soil microbiomes for sustainable agriculture
• Hau Ching Luk Hannah — Oral presentation, Tree of Life
Tue, 18 Aug
• A/Prof Yann Felix Boucher Boucher — Short talk, Anthropogenic impacts and the microbiome
•Asst Prof Laura Nolan- 
Oral Presentation, Interconnected microbiomes: from farm to fork for OneHealth
Thu, 20 Aug
• Dr Jesslyn Poo — Short talk, Vast seas, hidden powers: unity, diversity, and dynamics in the undersea world of marine microbes
Fri, 21 Aug
• Prof Cynthia Whitchurch FAA — Chair and invited speaker, Breaking Barriers: novel techniques for microbial ecology
• Dr Sujatha Srinivas — Short talk, Invisible Allies: the role of microbes in biodiversity conservation
And posters by...
Mon, 17 Aug
• Dr Lijing JIAO — microbial successional trajectories in extreme environments
Tue, 18 Aug
• John Harold Nataño — food spoilage communities and extending shelf-life
• Dr Rohan Williams — computational approaches to recovering metagenome-assembled genomes
• Dr Joao Pereyra — megaplasmid acquisition and coral microbial interactions
• Grace Tay — novel methods for discovering microbes in the deep Mediterranean
• Prof Staffan Kjelleberg — S-layer liquid condensates and microbial biofilm ecology
Thu, 20 Aug
• Dr Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi, SCELSE PhD graduate — how Emiliania huxleyi uses coccoliths as a defence against bacterial pathogens
• A/Prof Rebecca Case — bacterial succession within seagrass meadows
• A/Prof Janelle Thompson — microbial oceanography of high-seas seamounts in the Eastern Indian Ocean
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Congrats to SCELSE Principal Investigator A/Prof Rebecca Case and SCELSE Research Fellow Dr Joao Pereyra on this coral microbiome breakthrough. Together with SJINML, the team identified a probiotic bacterium that boosts coral resilience to heat stress. www.straitstimes.com/singapore/en...
straitstimes.com
Training Singapore corals to withstand hotter seas
Singaporean scientists are using 'good' bacteria and HIIT training to make corals more resilient to rising sea temperatures and prevent bleaching. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitsti...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
From 7–11 Jul, NTU-SCELSE welcomed students worldwide for the second Singapore International Summer Camp 2026. Through lab tours, expert talks and hands-on learning in microbiomes, AI, robotics & innovation, they explored science solving real-world challenges.
NTU-SCELSE welcomed a second cohort of students from around the world for the Singapore International Summer Camp 2026, held from 7–11 July.

Over five immersive days, participants explored the exciting intersection of science, technology, business and innovation. From biofilms and microbiomes to robotics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, systems thinking and scientific communication, they gained hands-on insights into how interdisciplinary approaches can tackle real-world challenges.

Through laboratory tours, expert talks, industry case studies, mentorship, project work and presentations, students experienced what it takes to transform scientific ideas into impactful solutions.

"Thanks to the students, mentors, speakers, and partners for making this an unforgettable week of intensive learning, meaningful conversations, and lasting connections," said Dr James Ho, SCELSE's Assistant Director for Business Development & Partnership.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the programme, including A/Prof Sanjay Swarup, IDMxS' Dr Samantha McCuskey, Lim Hao Wei, Ananya Verma, Hannah Hau Ching Luk, Dr James Fu, Asst Prof Wilson Wen Bin Goh, Dr Chyn Boon Wong, Dr Debjit Dutta, PhD, MBA, Dr Yissue Woo, and Dr Yong Hwee FOO, together with our partners Haleon (including Dr Sheryl Tan & Dr Surabhi Devaraj, Ph.D), APCME Pte Ltd, and the NTU Robotics Research Centre, for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.NTU-SCELSE welcomed a second cohort of students from around the world for the Singapore International Summer Camp 2026, held from 7–11 July.

Over five immersive days, participants explored the exciting intersection of science, technology, business and innovation. From biofilms and microbiomes to robotics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, systems thinking and scientific communication, they gained hands-on insights into how interdisciplinary approaches can tackle real-world challenges.

Through laboratory tours, expert talks, industry case studies, mentorship, project work and presentations, students experienced what it takes to transform scientific ideas into impactful solutions.

"Thanks to the students, mentors, speakers, and partners for making this an unforgettable week of intensive learning, meaningful conversations, and lasting connections," said Dr James Ho, SCELSE's Assistant Director for Business Development & Partnership.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the programme, including A/Prof Sanjay Swarup, IDMxS' Dr Samantha McCuskey, Lim Hao Wei, Ananya Verma, Hannah Hau Ching Luk, Dr James Fu, Asst Prof Wilson Wen Bin Goh, Dr Chyn Boon Wong, Dr Debjit Dutta, PhD, MBA, Dr Yissue Woo, and Dr Yong Hwee FOO, together with our partners Haleon (including Dr Sheryl Tan & Dr Surabhi Devaraj, Ph.D), APCME Pte Ltd, and the NTU Robotics Research Centre, for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
That's a wrap on the 14th SCELSE Summer Course! Over two weeks, 13 PhD students and postdocs from five countries explored microbiomes and biofilms through expert lectures, hands-on learning and a research trip to St John's Island. Thank you to all who made it possible. See you in 2028!
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Scientists from SCELSE, NTU Singapore and Imperial College London have uncovered a previously unknown step in how Pseudomonas aeruginosa loads toxins into its microscopic T6SS weapon before attack. Watch the video below on this research published in Nature Microbiology. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Congrats SCELSE Principal Investigator Prof Joachim Loo on his appointment as Associate Vice Provost (Admissions), Undergraduate Education at NTU, effective 1 Jul 2026. An expert in biomaterials & nanotechnology, he also leads SCELSE's research in fish feed. Pix: Prof Loo horse riding in Australia.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
As part of the NTU Science Discovery Camp, SCELSE hosted participants at our research centre on 19 Jun. Kudos to SCELSE PI and NTU Assoc Prof Rebecca Case, SCELSE Research Fellow Dr Clarence Sim for an engaging session! @beccase.bsky.social #NTU #SCELSE #STEM #ScienceDiscoveryCamp #Microbiology
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
World Ocean Day may be over, but the quest for sustainable seafood continues. In this documentary, SCELSE PI Prof Joachim Loo shares how functional fish feeds with probiotics and nutrients can boost fish health & disease resistance. Watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrdES8MX6AM&t=390s
World Ocean Day (8 Jun) may have passed, but the challenge of producing sustainable seafood remains as urgent as ever.
As global demand for seafood continues to rise, aquaculture will play an increasingly important role in feeding the world. Yet disease outbreaks remain one of the biggest challenges facing fish farmers, affecting both productivity and sustainability.
Check out this documentary by the World Ocean Council where SCELSE Principal Investigator Prof Joachim Loo from NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering shares how his team is developing functional fish feeds to help juvenile Asian sea bass better resist infection and improve survivability.
By combining probiotics and nutrients within specially engineered feed formulations, the team aims to deliver these beneficial ingredients to targeted parts of the fish gut, improving bioavailability and strengthening immune health. The result could be healthier fish, more resilient aquaculture systems, and more sustainable seafood production.
Nutrition can unlock significant potential for the aquaculture industry — improving growth, enhancing disease resistance, and supporting long-term productivity.
Catch Prof Loo (from 6:30 onwards) and learn how science is helping to build a more sustainable future for aquaculture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrdES8MX6AM&t=390s
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
What do biofilms, microbiomes, autonomous vehicles, entrepreneurship, and sustainability have in common? They were all part of an unforgettable week at the Singapore International Summer Camp 2026. Here's a look back at five days of learning, innovation, and discovery. #STEM #SISC
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Heading to #SIWW2026? Visit the NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI) booth at B2-F24 to discover innovations in water sustainability, resource recovery and the #CircularBioeconomy. Meet Dr Soheil Neshat from LoopForBio and learn how biotechnology is turning waste into value. #FishFeed
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Congrats Prof Alain Filloux, SCELSE Research Director, on his appointment as President’s Chair in Molecular Microbiology at NTU. One of the University's highest academic honours, this recognises his scientific achievements, leadership, and contributions to microbiology. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
How do dangerous bacteria arm themselves before attack? Scientists from NTU-SCELSE and Imperial College London uncovered a previously unknown mechanism showing how bacteria load toxins into a microscopic weapon system before firing. Nature Microbiology-> rdcu.be/fk0Bq @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Explore advanced image analysis using open-source A.I. tools at NOBIC’s hands-on workshop on 10 Jun 2026 at NTU. Learn Fiji, ilastik, Cellpose & Noise2Void with imaging specialist Cameron Nowell. Register by 8 Jun: forms.office.com/pages/respon...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Explore imaging with SCELSE-NTU's Prof Peter Török, Director of Imaging and Ai Ping Yow, Senior Research Engineer, Imaging Facility, who will speak at the upcoming Bioscopy Conference 2026 at: 📍 UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 📅 15–17 Jun 2026 Details: www.3dnanoscopy.com/bioscopy-con...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Hosted by Prof Alain Filloux, the upcoming SCELSE Seminar will be on 18 May. Join us then. Details below. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
SCELSE welcomed a delegation from China Mengniu Dairy's Global R&D team for a lab tour & exchange on 24 Apr 2026. Insights shared from one of China’s largest dairy innovation hubs. Thanks to SCELSE colleagues for showcasing our science. @cwhitch.bsky.social @drlauranolan.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Marine Sciences in Singapore to launch new Centre of Excellence! SCELSE PIs have been involved in the previous marine sciences programs MSRDP and MCCS where they collaborate across universities and centres. @beccase.bsky.social Read Straits Times: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/en...
straitstimes.com
Singapore launches $60m marine research centre
Singapore launches a $60 million marine research centre to advance ocean conservation and inform coastal policy decisions. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Join us for this seminar which is hosted by (@cwhitch.bsky.social) Prof Cynthia Whitchurch Research Director, SCELSE Biofilm Biology cluster, and Joint Director, L’Oréal-SCELSE joint laboratory. See details below.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Join us for the upcoming SCELSE Seminar on 16 April 2026. More - scelse.sg/event/toward...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
SCELSE clinched triple championships at the CReW Sports Lunch 2026, closing the NTU Staff Sports & Games 2025 on a high. 🏆 Road Race (+IDMxS) — James Ho 🏆 Bowling (+NTU mates) — Linda Choo, Wen Jia Phung, Allen Chow 🏆 Soccer (+NBS & SBS) — Eze Santillan Superb teamwork! @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
At the UOB Innovation Hub launch yesterday, Dr Ezequiel Santillan & Dr Soheil Neshat showcased LoopforBio — turning food byproducts into microbial protein for healthier shrimp, lower costs, and reduced emissions. Explore: www.loopforbio.com #Aquaculture #FoodSecurity #ClimateTech
From lab innovation to aquaculture transformation — LoopForBio (a spinoff from SCELSE) takes the stage at the launch of the UOB Innovation Hub at Wee Cho Yaw Plaza at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Yesterday, Dr Eze Santillán(CEO & Co-Founder) and Dr Soheil Neshat (CTO & Co-Founder) showcased LoopforBio’s solution — converting nutrient-rich food byproducts into microbial protein that supports aquaculture performance while reducing environmental impact.
Real-world impact:
• 80% improved survival in shrimp trials (vs fishmeal)
• Up to 8x cost efficiency compared to conventional alternatives per ton
• Reduced carbon emissions and protection of marine resources
Said Dr Santillan: “We’re rethinking how the world produces protein — transforming waste into a sustainable resource that supports healthier shrimp and a greener planet.”
The UOB Innovation Hub maps the full innovation journey — from Stage 0 (ideas) to Stage 4 (global scale) — creating a clear pathway for ventures like LoopForBio to move from research to real-world deployment.
Pix below, L–R: Dr Neshat and Dr Santillan at the LoopforBio booth — advancing sustainable protein with measurable impact: higher shrimp survival, lower costs, and a greener aquaculture future - on 25 March 2026.
Explore more: https://www.loopforbio.com/about
LoopforBio is looking for collaborators to scale impact.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
How do SCELSE's discoveries become real-world impact? It often starts with a visit. On 19 Mar 2026, SCELSE hosted NTU Prof Ernst Kuipers and the UMC Utrecht delegation, opening discussions on biofilms & microbiomes & their role in health & disease. @fillouxlab.bsky.social @cwhitch.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Struggling with asthma or allergies at home? The trigger may be invisible. AirBiomics (a SCELSE startup, powered by SMART Innovation 2.0) uses DNA tech to detect hidden allergens. Join our study — selected homes get a free test: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
What wows SCELSE visitors? Do we handle COVID pathogens? Why is AMR a top global health threat? Thirty S&TDC delegates visited SCELSE on 13 Mar -touring labs and sparking discussions on science and global impact. See comments for answers. @fillouxlab.bsky.social @cwhitch.bsky.social
What is the one thing that wows SCELSE visitors? Do we handle COVID pathogens? And why is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) considered one of the biggest global health threats today?
 
These questions and more were raised when 30 delegates from the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle Singapore (S&TDC), representing embassies and high commissions from across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, visited SCELSE on 13 Mar 2026.
 
The visit opened with an introduction by Prof Alain Filloux, SCELSE Centre Director, followed by a tour of SCELSE's facilities by scientists Drs Yong Hwee FOO, Elena Gusareva and Angel Anika Cokro. 

Led by Wanda Preiser, Head of the Nanyang Technological University Singapore Office of International Engagement, and her team, the visit underscored the importance of international partnerships in advancing science and innovation.

Curious about the answers? See the comments below.
 
Thank you to the S&TDC delegates for the engaging discussions and thoughtful questions during your visit to SCELSE.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Why do some wounds refuse to heal - even with treatment? Scientists from SCELSE-NTU, SMART and University of Geneva found that Enterococcus faecalis suppresses immune defences by releasing lactic acid, helping infections persist. Study is published in Cell Host & Microbe. scelse.sg/smart-resear...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Congrats to the SCELSE Safety Team on receiving the Silver Award at the NTU Safety & Health Awards Ceremony 2025 on 3 Mar 2026. The award recognises the dedication of the Safety Team and all at SCELSE who uphold strong safety practices every day. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
Congrats to the SCELSE Safety Team on receiving the Silver Award at the NTU Safety & Health Awards Ceremony 2025 on 3 Mar 2026.

This recognition reflects the dedication of SCELSE’s Safety Team (see pix), and of everyone at SCELSE who practises safety every single day. Their consistent, often unseen work keeps our laboratories and shared spaces safe for research, learning, and collaboration.
Prof Alain Filloux, SCELSE Centre Director, shared:“Good science depends on good safety. This award recognises the commitment of our Safety Team and colleagues who take responsibility for one another every day. A strong safety culture is built through people, ownership, and continuous care.”

Thanks to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore for the recognition, and to everyone at SCELSE who contributes to making safety an integral part of our work.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Congrats SCELSE PI Prof Joachim Loo and team on progress in functional feeds for Asian sea bass, featured in Zaobao. Using encapsulation to deliver probiotics & nutrients, the feed helps fish grow up to 25% faster & strengthens aquaculture resilience. www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapo... #SCELSEImpact
Congratulations to SCELSE PI and NTU Prof Joachim Loo and his team on the progress of their functional feed project for Asian sea bass — a story just covered by Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报. 

Using encapsulation technology to deliver probiotics and nutrients directly to fish, the team developed a functional feed that helps sea bass grow up to 25% faster, reaching market size in about nine months instead of a year, while improving overall health and survival. 

Joachim Loo, NTU’s Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, said: “By designing encapsulation systems that deliver probiotics and nutrients more effectively, we can improve fish health, growth and resilience. Such innovations can help support a more sustainable aquaculture. We aim to launch our startup soon in the hope of further strengthening Singapore’s food security.” 

The project was supported by The Singapore Food Story R&D Programme, which received S$144 million in government funding and supported 66 research projects in its first phase, completed by mid-2023. Read the full story in Zaobao https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260221-8142240 

Pix below (L-R): Lewis Martin, Prof Joachim Loo and Kaarunya Sampathkumar measuring and weighing the Asian seabass fingerlings that are fed with control and functional feeds at the research facility at Nanyang Technological University Singapore.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
NanoMuG, a spin-off from University of Turin, visited SCELSE on 6 Mar 2026, to explore collaboration on protein-based nanoparticle delivery systems targeting biofilm infections. Discussions focused on validating the platform and advancing pathways to real-world applications through joint research.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Catch the talk by Prof Stephan C. Schuster, SCELSE Deputy Centre Director at the Urban Bioaerosols and Planetary Health in the Carbon-Neutral Era workshop hosted by Hiroshima University. Join the hybrid event on 12 Mar 2026: Online (Teams): x.gd/W4QYo Onsite: MIRAI CREA 1F, Hiroshima University
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Catch Prof Alain Filloux, SCELSE Centre Director at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, as an invited speaker at the Cold Spring Harbor Asia conference on Bacterial Infection & Host Defense, 11–15 May 2026 in Suzhou, China. Register - www.csh-asia.org?content/2975 @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
SCELSE-NTU’s Dr Haris Antypas and Prof Kimberly Kline (UNIGE) show that silencing bacterial communication may worsen infectious endocarditis. Published in Nature Communications, the study finds that when Enterococcus faecalis loses quorum sensing, it forms larger biofilms linked to poorer outcomes.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Science works best when more voices are at the table. At SCELSE, 56% of our researchers are women — above the global average of 33.3%. Kudos to all the women researchers at SCELSE driving scientific excellence & impact! @cwhitch.bsky.social #WomenInScience #WomenInSTEM #SCELSEImpact
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
SCELSE welcomed Prof Carlo Ratti and Dr Fabio Duarte (MIT Senseable City Lab) to our labs on 26 Jan 2026. Discussions focused on rethinking air quality in the urban environment - moving beyond conventional pollution metrics. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
SCELSE welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of France in Singapore, reaffirming a shared One Health approach and the central role of partnerships in the France–Singapore relationship. The visit included lab tours and talks on lab-to-market translation. @fillouxlab.bsky.social @cwhitch.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
SCELSE hosted CNRS@CREATE delegates to explore translating science into impact: from biofilms & microbiomes to human-centric, trustworthy AI. The visit included tours of sequencing, imaging and bioreactor facilities, with discussions on the DesCartes Hybrid AI programme. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
SCELSE research, featured in the Straits Times, shows a new way to potentially help chronic wounds heal by disarming E. faecalis with catalase — reducing infection risk and potential amputations without antibiotics. L–R: Prof Kimberly Kline, Dr Aaron Tan Ming Zhi, Assoc Prof Guillaume Thibault
See - https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/spore-study-finds-new-way-to-disarm-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-speed-up-healing-of-chronic-wounds
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Discover how SCELSE advanced biofilm & microbiome research in FY2024. From top-ranked publications to education, industry engagement, and real-world impact. Scan to read the SCELSE Year in Review flipbook now. @fillouxlab.bsky.social @cwhitch.bsky.social @drlauranolan.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Check out this 2-minute video on the SCELSE-Haleon-PC Biome MOU signing ceremony which underscores how microbiome science moves from lab to translation-ready health solutions. Explore partnerships with SCELSE today! #SCELSEImpact @fillouxlab.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Qz...
youtube.com
SCELSE, Haleon & PC Biome Form Strategic Partnership in Microbiome Health
YouTube video by SCELSE
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
From generous spreads to laughter-filled games, the SCELSE year-end party reminded us that taking time to celebrate together matters. Wishing all a refreshing break and a strong 2026 ahead. Happy New Year! @fillouxlab.bsky.social @cwhitch.bsky.social @drlauranolan.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
SCELSE is in the news! Check out the story - Haleon taps into tripartite partnership to drive microbiome R&D in Singapore- by Koe T. in NutraIngredients: www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2025...
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Registration is open for the SJINML Public Lecture with Dr Margaret McFall-Ngai: The Power of Symbiosis in Shaping Our Biosphere. If you’ve wondered about sustainability or if probiotics really work, this talk may have the answer. 3 Dec, SMU. Light refreshments available.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Prof Cynthia Whitchurch @cwhitch.bsky.social, SCELSE Research Director, is a keynote speaker at the Asia-Pacific Biofilm Conference 2026, presenting “When death becomes a biofilm”. Registration and abstract submissions are now open — join the region’s biofilm community in Melbourne.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Congratulations Prof Alain Filloux on being elected Fellow of the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI). This honour recognises his leadership in microbiology and his global contributions to advancing biofilm and microbiome science. @fillouxlab.bsky.social
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
World AMR Awareness Week calls us to act now. At the SCELSE retreat, PhD student Alicia Pek, supervised by Prof Cynthia Whitchurch, showed how cell wall-deficient P. aeruginosa reveals a vulnerability that boosts antibiotic & non-antibiotic activity. #WorldAMRWeek #AMR #SCELSE @cwhitch.bsky.social
It’s World AMR Awareness Week — themed Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future. SCELSE is doing exactly that with this week’s sharing on exploiting cell wall-deficient Pseudomonas aeruginosa for new AMR solutions.
 
Presented at the SCELSE Scientific Retreat, Alicia P. — a SCELSE PhD student under the supervision of Prof Cynthia Whitchurch FAA Whitchurch — highlighted a promising vulnerability in this highly drug-resistant pathogen.

When exposed to very high beta-lactam levels, P. aeruginosa can enter a temporary cell wall-deficient state that increases drug influx and weakens efflux. In this window, the bacterium becomes far more sensitive to antibiotics and even FDA-approved non-antibiotic compounds.

From a 1,443-compound screen, 81 showed potentiated activity, including 41 non-antibiotics that worked only in this weakened state. This opens new opportunities to repurpose existing drugs against Gram-negative infections.
 
Next steps: To uncover mechanisms of action and explore how this vulnerability can be harnessed for therapeutic strategies.
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SCELSE - a biofilm & microbiome research centre in NTU & NUS @scelse.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Two intense days underscored SCELSE’s strength in true multi-disciplinarity — broad enough to collaborate, deep enough to push boundaries. A retreat filled with ideas across health, climate, and food. Kudos to Prof Whitchurch @cwhitch.bsky.social for organising a strong event.
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