Algae Biotechnology

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge on Algae.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical, practical and laboratory, field and tutorial.

Learning Outcomes

To know, to understand and to be able to demonstrate knowledge on the biotechnological potential of micro and macroalgae, with an emphasis on human nutrition, aquaculture, the phycocolloid industry and as environmental tools.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Generic importance of algae, discoveries for science resulting from studies in these organisms, potential of algal collections such as Algoteca. Methodologies for collection, isolation, cultivation and conservation of microalgae, applied to species with biotechnological value. The use of cryopreservation in biotechnology. Cultivation and uses of microalgae. Species used in aquaculture, human feeding, environmental problems, energy and pharmaceutical industries. Cultivation systems: construction of a laboratory photobioreactor, exemplification of production, collection, concentration and processing of biomass for various applications, including compounds such as lipids and polysaccharides. Importance of correct identification of organisms used in biotechnology. Diversity, use and cultivation of macroalgae. Species used in human food. Production and use of phycocoloids, the different types, extraction of algal polysaccharides. Use in environmental problems. Pharmacological potential.

Head Lecturer(s)

Lília Maria Antunes dos Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

Pulz; O. & Gross; W (2004). Valuable products from biotechnology of microalgae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 65: 635-648.

Chácon-Lee, T.L. & González-Mariño, G.E. (2010). Microalgae for “healthy” foods – possibilities and challenges. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 9.

Varfolomeev, S. D. & Wasserman, L. A. (2011). Microalgae as a source of biofuel, food, fodder, and medicines. Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, 49, 789-807.

Gouveia, L.(2011). Microalgae as a feedstock for biofuels. Springer Briefs in Microbiology, London.Rapouso, M.F.J., Morais, R.M.S.C., Morais, A.M.M.B. (2013). Bioactivity and applications of sulphated polysaccharides from marine microalgae. Marine Drugs, 11, 233-252.