University Of Patras, G. Seferi 2, Agrinio microbiology.upatras@gmail.com +302610969232

The project

WS1 – Isolation of microalgae native of the Ionian Sea and creation of collection

Sampling at more than 7 different location across the Ionian Seashores. Microalgal strains (in monoalgal cultures) will be isolated from the collected samples.

WS2 – Identification of microalgae isolates

Firstly, identification will be based on physiological, morphological and biochemical characteristics and then through molecular techniques. All DNA sequences resulting from the identification process of microalgae will be deposited in international databases.

WS3 – Cultivation of selected microalgae in photo-bioreactors

Research will focus on the carbon metabolism and particularly on biochemical pathways involved in the biosynthesis of lipids and other reserves. In addition, the structure of microalgal cells, membranes and their subcellular organelles will be studied. Finally, a limited number of strains will be selected for adaptive evolution studies.