SAMSUN, Oct 8 – In a significant advancement for environmental biotechnology, Professor Dr. Fahrul Zaman Huyop from the Department of Biosciences, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has successfully completed a 10-day research visit to Ondokuz Mayis University (OMÜ) in Samsun, Turkey. The visit, held from September 22 to October 3, 2025, formed a vital part of an ongoing international collaboration focused on developing natural solutions to address chemical pollution. Professor Fahrul’s visit was supported under a special grant through the TÜBİTAK-2221 Fellowship for Visiting Scientists, designed to enable international researchers to conduct academic and R&D activities at Turkish universities and research institutes.
Hosted by Dr. Yilmaz Kaya of OMÜ and Dr. Fatih Alay at Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute, Prof. Fahrul’s work centered on isolating and characterizing specialized bacteria living within tall fescue grass (Festuca arundinacea). The primary goal of the joint project is to identify bacterial endophytes—microbes that live harmlessly inside plant tissues—capable of breaking down persistent environmental pollutants like 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (2,2-DCP), a component found in some herbicides. The research focuses in the unique biological properties of Festuca grasses. These hardy plants are known for forming strong symbiotic relationships with a variety of microbes that enhance their ability to survive in harsh and contaminated environments. Scientists believe that the endophytes living within these grasses may have evolved unique metabolic pathways to degrade toxic chemicals as a survival mechanism.
“The biodiversity in Samsun and the prevalence of Festuca species make it an ideal location for this discovery phase,” explained Prof. Huyop. “These plants are natural survivors. By studying the microorganisms that help them thrive, we hope to harness their power for bioremediation—using nature to clean up our environment.”
The intensive 10-day schedule involved collecting plant samples, performing meticulous multi-step surface sterilization to ensure only internal microbes were isolated, and cultivating the bacteria on specialized growth media. The most critical phase of the work was screening the isolated bacteria for their ability to degrade 2,2-DCP- a model toxic chemical in a controlled laboratory setting.
The collaboration, operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, is expected to yield promising results. The identification of potent, naturally occurring bacteria that can neutralize chemical pollutants could lead to innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly technologies for cleaning contaminated soil and water. The findings from this foundational research will pave the way for future applications in bioremediation and sustainable agriculture.
Apart from conducting scientific research activities, Prof. Fahrul also held discussions with Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu to explore potential initiatives under the existing MoU between UTM and OMÜ. The meeting focused on strengthening academic and research collaboration, including possibilities for joint supervision of postgraduate students, exchange of researchers, and collaborative projects in biotechnology and environmental sciences. This engagement reflects the ongoing commitment of both institutions to enhance international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
