Microalgae Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The contents will be taught mainly in practical and laboratory classes (PL), practical theoretical classes (TP; online or in person), and occasional fieldwork (TC).
Assessment is based on a written work (50%) to be delivered by students, which results from the development of individual practical work throughout the course, and an oral presentation (50%).

Learning Outcomes

Objectives: To emphasize the importance of microalgae as a raw material for future development and their use for development of new technological projects; to reveal the biodiversity of these organisms through polyphasic approaches; to raise awareness of the importance of microbiological resources using the Algoteca de Coimbra as a case-study; to provide essential tools for the study of these organisms on a lab and pilot scale and their potential industrial application; to allow the acquisition of skills in the analysis of algal extracts, namely value-added compounds.
Skills to be developed: To recognize the amazing diversity of microalgae; to understand its prime importance for the production of valuable compounds; to be conscious of the global ecological importance of these organisms; to understand the contribution of microalgae to achieving the SDGs, namely the promotion of prosperity and general well-being, and improvement of human and animal nutrition.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Biodiversity and generic importance of microalgae;
- Potential of microbiological collections for the development of new technological projects - Algoteca de Coimbra as a “case-study”;
- Importance of correct identification of organisms in biotechnology – use of polyphasic approach;
- Microalgae cultivation methodologies, with emphasis on species of biotechnological value - from lab to pilot scale;
- Methodologies for collecting, concentrating and processing biomass;
- Methodologies for the production of algal extracts;
- Methodologies for analysis of algal extracts – identification/quantification of lipid classes, fatty acids, pigments, proteins and other value-added compounds;
- Interpretation of results and discussion of possible applications.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Oral presentation: 50.0%
Assessment is based on a written work: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Galanakis, C. M. (Ed.). (2020). Microalgae: Cultivation, Recovery of Compounds and Applications. Academic Press.
- Lee, R. E. (2018). Phycology. Cambridge university press.
- Fleurence, J. (2021). Microalgae: From Future Food to Cellular Factory. John Wiley & Sons.
- 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.