Title: CULTIVATION AND STIMULUS (not stress) FOR THE INCREASE OF BIOMOLECULES IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROALGAE

Microalgae are versatile organisms that produce biomolecules with varied properties. One of the first steps to succeed in the generation of biomass in microalgae cultures is to control their growth requirements, but the production of biomolecule rich biomass is still a challenge. From algal physiology, we know that stressing the cells can lead to a great increase in reserve biomolecules, but decrease growth rate, and may cause membrane deterioration. On the other hand, by stimulating the cells, biomolecules increase without affecting the growth rate can be successfully achieved. The process is species-specific and requires controlled conditions for greater efficiency. A controlled biochemical manipulation by stimulating microalgae emerges as a tool capable of interfer on microalgae physiology and biomolecules production.

Name: Ana Teresa Lombardi (UFSCar – Universidade Federal de São Carlos)

Ana Teresa Lombardi is enthusiastic about microalgae physiology, aiming at understanding their responses in pure cultures, as well as in industrial effluents. Ana Teresa is full professor at Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, where she has dedicated a significant part of her academic years to the interactions of microalgae with metal ions in the ecotoxicology approach. More recently, her research has focused on the prospection of biomolecules produced by microalgae and how they are affected by metal ions.

The seminar will take place at CIIMAR headquarters (Boca da Baleia Auditorium).

External members of CIIMAR should send an email to divulgacao@ciimar.up.pt, requesting authorization to enter the Leixões Terminal area

If you are a CIIMAR member you can also access last seminars recordings through the LINK.