Thomas Böttcher’s group investigates the chemistry of microbial interactions, as well as chemical strategies for modulating coordinated population behaviours of microbes. Thomas and his team elucidate chemical structures of metabolites that mediate and control interactions between microbes and their human host. Their research exploits these compounds by synthetic chemistry, in order to develop species-specific antibiotics and anti-virulence compounds.

Additionally, the group is interested in chemical probes for active-site directed labelling of virulence-related enzymes and the development of customised inhibitors. Thus, Thomas’ research aims not only to build fundamental knowledge of the chemical interactions of microbes, but also to create chemical tools for precision microbiome interventions, with the ultimate vision of chemical microbiome engineering. Thomas has received a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant to investigate the chemistry of prophage induction.