Topic 1. The use of probiotics in food products to improve gut immunity.
The diverse array of bacteria and fungi that live in the gastrointestinal tract are directly influenced by a person’s diet and lifestyle. The foods we eat on daily basis affects the diversity and composition of bacteria in our gut, which in turn affects the immune cells.
Topic 2. The role of marine fungi to aid in attempts to break down plastics and polymers.
The complexity of plastic biodegradation is due to their chemical and physical characteristics namely, their high molecular weight, hydrophobicity, and insolubility. The use of marine fungi will play an important role in the degradation of plastic because the penetrative abilities of fungal hyphae are associated with their secretion of exoenzymes and hydrophobins, thereby increasing their adhesion to hydrophobic substrates. Moreover, the non-specificity of fungal exoenzymes will allow them to break down different plastic polymers.
Topic 3. DNA Fingerprinting of microorganisms (medically related) by using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
This technique will be important because several species of microorganisms share overlapping niches or thrive under identical environmental conditions. So, species identification of a microorganism will be important for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases.
For undergrad students I usually suggest them a thesis with short duration to let them having practice on research in all aspects. Writing propozal, performing the research , analysis , etc. They are able on future to extend it in different areas.