His scientific interests are centered on the following topics: i) - the study of trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) as key virulence determinants in members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a group of bacteria that cause infections in patients with Cystic Fibrosis. To study the contribution of these genes/proteins we take a multidisciplinary approach including molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and biophysics. We are particularly interested in defining the functions of TAAs during Bcc/host cell interactions. ii) - the study of bacterial proteins/peptides as drug candidates for cancer therapy. Studies aiming to elucidate the cellular and molecular effects of treating cancer cells with the protein azurin from P. aeruginosa, and its fragment, a cell penetrating peptide of 28 amino acids (p28). The p28 peptide completed two phase I clinical trials in US. We have paid a particular attention to the development of nano-carriers; in particular our focus relies on the design and fabrication of functionalized p28-nanoformulations capable of targeting cancer cells. iii) - the development of a non-mammalian animal model (the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella) to dissect virulence caused by various microbes. We acquired experimental skills and made available an experimental facility at iBB including an insectarium for breeding and maintenance of larvae for in vivo studies of microbial infections. This animal model allowed us to assess the role of a number of virulence determinants of gram negative and positive bacteria.