Biography:
Dr. Sidjabat is an expert in antimicrobial-resistance with 14-year research experience and probiotic development for the past 4-years. She is currently a Research Fellow within the Infectious Diseases Theme at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), in which her probiotic research work is within the agreement by Uniquest (https://uniquest.com.au/) with probiotic companies. Dr. Sidjabat was the lead microbiologist and molecular microbiologist of the characterisation of microbiome of upper respiratory tract of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, healthy participants and healthy Australian Indigenous children and children prone to otitis media within Prof. Anders Cervin’s research group. Prior to that, she was a Laboratory Research Leader within Prof. David Paterson, Infection and Immunity Theme, UQCCR for 6.5 years. She was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow soon after the completion of her Ph.D in 2007, at the Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. She is passionate in mentoring young researchers in conducting research as well in the development of research career profiles of junior researchers. She has always been at the forefront in understanding the use of newly developed technologies for infectious diseases. She has worked collaboratively with many leading microbiology laboratories nationally and internationally. To date, she has published 84 peer-reviewed articles mostly in high-impact journals. Dr. Sidjabat has supervised and mentored 35 PhD students, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, Master and Honours students, Microbiology Registrars, local and international Infectious Diseases Visiting Academics
Abstract:
Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, S. thermophilus and Saccharomyces have been known as beneficial microbes that contribute to our health benefits. Prebiotics which are disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides have becoming well-recognised in supporting the growth of gut microbiome especially those help in maintaining the gut health. Prebiotics and probiotics have also been introduced in animal feed market. Prebiotics and probiotics have been used to substitute the use of antibiotics as growth promoter in farm animals. This approach in positive modulation of microbiome functions area has now being expanded to aquaculture. Advancing research and development in the prebiotic and probiotics including beneficial microbes is aligned with the mission and vision in reducing antibiotic resistance globally. Current production of probiotics has been continuously moving into the no-waste to the planet approach. Advancing the technologies and applications of beneficial microbes in medicine will reduce the burden of chronic diseases. Generating beneficial microbes also reduce the burden to the environment which will also enhance the planet sustainability. One health approach has officially been announced by World Health Organization in September 2017 to be used in many aspects related to microbes including in food safety, to control zoonoses and combatting antibiotic resistance. This approach is important as humans and animals shares the eco-systems. One health approach is proposed to be applied for beneficial microbes here. Professional with a range of expertise, medical practitioners, nutritionists, public health, animal health, plant health and environment might also be appropriate in advancing technologies and applications of beneficial microbes. Challenges and benefits of clinical trials in providing the claims of beneficial microbes will also being covered. Market research in supporting the economical evidence of the benefit of prebiotics and probiotics should be advanced. Views of future applications of beneficial microbes including the technologies for bioremediation which is important supporting the ecosystem will also being covered here.
