The research interest of the Microbiology Laboratory (ML) (Department of Biology) is related to the study and production of microbial lipids (SCOs) from oleaginous microorganisms, which have exceptional composition or structure, of high biotechnological interest. In recent years, ML research interests have focused on the effect of the use of animal feed containing microelements and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on fish growth and the beneficial effects of them to the consumers’ health. Research in ML also includes the development of innovative biotechnological applications, through the cultivation of selected oleaginous microorganisms in low-cost substrates (agro-industrial residues, raw glycerol, olive-mill wastewaters, etc.) for the production of SCOs rich in PUFAs or their further conversion into biofuels (biodiesel, bio-hydrogen), reducing the toxicity of waste with the aim to be used in food production. In addition, basic research focuses on clarifying important biochemical events in the cells of oleaginous microorganisms, growing in hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic substrates.
Diploma of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens (1977-82)
Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies (Sciences des Aliments – Nutrition – Fermentation), Universite des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier II – France (1985-86)
Doctorat en Biochimie, Biologie Cellulaire et Moleculaire, Universite des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier II – France (1986-89)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Agricultural University of Athens (1989-93)
Research interests
Oleaginous microorganisms
Biotechnology of microbial lipids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Organic acids
Phenolics degradation
Metabolism of sugars, glycerol, methanol, fatty acids
Panagiotis Dritsas, studied Biology at the University of Patras, where he obtained a master’s degree in “Biological Technology” as well. He is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Microbiology, at the Department of Biology, University of Patras. His research interests include the study of physiology of oleaginous microorganisms, both heterotrophs (yeasts, fungi) and autotrophs (microalgae, cyanobacteria) and the production of microbial lipids, named Single Cell Oils (SCOs) with emphasis on those containing high percentages of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), which are products with a major biotechnological interest for pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
The research interest of the Microbiology Laboratory (ML) (Department of Biology) is related to the study and production of microbial lipids (SCOs) from oleaginous microorganisms, which have exceptional composition or structure, of high biotechnological interest. In recent years, ML research interests have focused on the effect of the use of animal feed containing microelements and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on fish growth and the beneficial effects of them to the consumers’ health. Research in ML also includes the development of innovative biotechnological applications, through the cultivation of selected oleaginous microorganisms in low-cost substrates (agro-industrial residues, raw glycerol, olive-mill wastewaters, etc.) for the production of SCOs rich in PUFAs or their further conversion into biofuels (biodiesel, bio-hydrogen), reducing the toxicity of waste with the aim to be used in food production. In addition, basic research focuses on clarifying important biochemical events in the cells of oleaginous microorganisms, growing in hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic substrates.
Lab head: George Aggelis
Members
George Aggelis
Education
Research interests
Panagiotis Dritsas