Laboratory of Algal biotechnology

Due to algae and cyanobacteria ability to effectively transform sunlight and simple inorganic nutrients into complex organic compounds, they found utilization in a number of biotechnological applications. The use of algae spans from food and feed sector to wastewater treatment. Thanks to their unique chemical structures algal and cyanobacterial compounds can be utilized in pharmacology. 

Our laboratory aims at the employment of algae and cyanobacteria in food industry and biotechnology, such as e.g. utilization of the algae in waste water treatment. A special focus is given on the discovery and isolation of novel compounds applicable in pharmacology.

Novel bioactive metabolites and their biosynthesis

Our main goal in this field is to discover novel low molecular metabolites applicable in pharmacology especially in anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. We also aim to characterize possible adverse effect of these metabolites on surrounding ecosystems and human. This research area includes study of genetic background of metabolite biosynthesis for purposes of generation of novel analogs and the genomic screening for novel structures.

Photoautotrophic cultivation and production of target compounds

In this field, our main objective is to find optimal cultivation conditions of selected microalgae species to obtain biomass with increased content of valuable products. The current project of the research team on phototrophic cultivation of microalgae is focused on the use of microalgae in functional foods and feeds by regional companies and for the production of biostimulants/biocides for regionally important crops. In collaboration with the group of Pavel Hrouzek and Kumar Saurav, we intend to identify the substances responsible for the bioactive properties. The photoautotrophic group has experience from previous projects in using microalgae cultures for various biotechnological applications such as feeds in aquaculture, agricultural applications or wastewater treatment as a source of nutrients for cultivation. Last but not least, the group has experience with psychrophilic microalgae which are also used in biotechnological applications.

Algal Bio-refinery Group

The Algal Bio-refinery group is focused on the development and application of efficient, scalable and cost effective isolation methods to produce valuable compounds such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, cyclic lipopeptides, non-cyclic peptides and mycosporine-like amino acids from algal biomass. The group is currently developing novel separation concepts based on multi-target and sequential injections strategies with emphasis in scale-up to industrial size and minimising waste production. Our long-term goal is to develop integrated biorefinery systems covering the production of all valuable compounds from the same algal/cyanobacterial biomass obtained under autotrophic and heterotrophic cultivation conditions.