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Micro-algal Biotechnology Group

Contents

• Purpose/aims
• People
• Research Areas & Projects
• Facilities
• Useful Links

Introduction

The objective of the Microalgal Biotechnology Group is to further the understanding of the ecology of microalgae. This will assist with the development of commercial-scale microalgal culturing techniques for the production of bioactive compounds, aquaculture feed, fine chemicals, and renewable fuels. Additionally, environmental applications such as CO₂ bioremediation, control of excessive algal growth and development of management strategies for water supply managers are investigated. The Microalgal Biotechnology Group is a part of a national research group (BEAM), which focuses on photosynthetic light utilisation efficiency and carbon fixation, chlorophyll fluorescence, biochemistry of secondary metabolites, molecular biology and photo-bioreactor design and engineering.

Purpose/Aims

The School of Chemical Engineering has established the Microalgal Biotechnology Research group with the following aims:

• To conduct world-class research in microalgal biotechnology, through the consolidation of ideas, experience and expertise.
• To establish links with international research organisations and to encourage joint research
• To promote exchange of students and researchers

People

• Professor Keith King
• Associate Professor Brian O'Neill
• Dr David Lewis
• Mr Stephen Pahl
• Mr Steven Amos
• Mr Michael Roberts
• Mr Teijun Wang
• Ms Kyleigh Victory
• Ms Haixiang (Jenny) Wang

Research Areas & Projects

• Analysis and classification of antimicrobial components produced by microalgae and cyanobacteria
• Aspects of a cyanobacteria photobioreactor,
• Modelling, biodegradable plastic
• Production of poly-b -hydroxybutric acid from cyanobacteria
• Influence of photoperiod distribution on the growth and biochemical composition of cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 7002
• Annular photobioreactor design
• Heterotrophic growth of microalgae for aquaculture
  • Proximate biochemical composition, high cell density, Cyclotella cryptica
• Determination of growth rate and tolytoxin production from selected cyanobacteria cultures.
• Economic evaluation on the heterotrophic growth and downstream processing costs of microalgae cells/metabolites
  • Commercial ventures, large scale.
• Cryopreservation of microalgae cultures
  • DMSO, glycerol, methanol

Facilities

• Gas chromatograph
• CHN analyser
• Bomb calorimeter
• UV/Vis. spectrophotometer
• Atomic absorption spectrophotometer
• Culture facilities (i.e. Mixers, shakers, Growth cabinet for the control of atmosphere, and various bioreactors (1L -50L)
• Various strains of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria including:
  • Synechococcous sp PCC 7002
  • Microcystis aeruginosa
  • Anabanea cylindrica
  • Cyclotella cryptica UTEX 1269
  • Synechocystis sp PCC 6803

Useful Links

Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA)
Australian Society for Limnology
Biotechnological and Environmental Applications of Microalgae (BEAM)
CSIRO Microalgae Research Centre
World Culture Centres