Unique biochemical reactions catalysed by specific microorganisms contribute to major environmental and societal challenges in agriculture and play important roles in certain infectious diseases. Emissions of ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from livestock houses, manure storage tanks, and fertilized fields are closely linked to microbial processes. Similarly, the enzymatic breakdown of urea (ureolysis) and the resulting formation of ammonia play an important role in the ability of certain pathogenic bacteria to cause disease. To support the green transition in agriculture and address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, new sustainable and targeted strategies for controlling specific microbial activities are needed.
In his inaugural lecture, Henrik Karring will present results from his research on urease in relation to ammonia emissions from agriculture, and strategies for inhibiting urease activity of ureolytic bacteria. He will present the invention, development, and demonstration of the STAF Technology for manure treatment, which can reduce emissions of ammonia, methane, and odour. Unexpectedly, this work has also provided the foundation for the development of a promising therapeutic strategy to combat infections caused by ureolytic bacteria. Henrik will outline future research projects and discuss how biochemical insights into urease inhibition and the resulting invention(s) can contribute to the green transition in agriculture and provide new approaches to addressing antibiotic resistance and treating infectious diseases caused by ureolytic bacteria.