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 and phycocolloid industry.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

General relevance of algae; the potential of algal collections - Algoteca of Coimbra (ACOI ). Methodologies for sampling , isolation , cultivation and conservation of microalgae. Cryopreservation. Cultivation of microalgae. Species used in aquaculture, consumption, environmental issues, energy and pharmaceutical industries The importance of correct identification of microalgae used in biotechnology: traditional vs molecular taxonomy. Cultivation systems; photobioreactor. Exemplification of cultivation for production of biomass, collection and concentration of biomass and processing for various applications, including obtaining and analysing extracts and/or compounds as food additives. Antioxidant capacity, microalgae lipids, and fatty-acids. Diversity, use and cultivation of macroalgae. Species used as food. Production and use of phycocolloids: different types of phycocolloids; exemplification of laboratory extraction of algal polysaccharides.

Head Lecturer(s)

Lília Maria Antunes dos Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 40.0%
Project: 60.0%

Bibliography

Fleurence, J. (2021). Microalgae: From Future Food to Cellular Factory. John Wiley & Sons.

Galanakis, C. M. (Ed.). (2020). Microalgae: Cultivation, Recovery of Compounds and Applications. Academic Press.

Jacob-Lopes, E., Maroneze, M. M., Queiroz, M. I., & Zepka, L. Q. (Eds.). (2020). Handbook of microalgae-based processes and products: fundamentals and advances in energy, food, feed, fertilizer, and bioactive compounds. Academic Press

Lee, R. E. (2018). Phycology. Cambridge University Press.