Microalgae are unicellular organisms found in oceans, lakes, ponds, and ice. They play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth by using photosynthesis to sequester atmospheric CO2 and produce oxygen. Microalgae have a vast and largely untapped biotechnological potential. They can efficiently convert CO2 into biomass and natural products, requiring only seawater, light, and inorganic nutrients.
Microalgae are incredibly diverse, with species that have developed unique biological adaptations to thrive in different aquatic habitats and respond to the environment. These adaptations also serve as an untapped resource for biotechnological applications, presenting novel opportunities for engineering advancements. We employ innovative strategies to investigate the biology of microalgae and to understand their role and impact in the biosphere. We channel this knowledge into developing novel strains, designed to perform specialized functions, from synthesizing high-value products to detecting environmental pollutants.
Our research focuses on:
- Investigation and engineering of algae metabolism and high-value product biosynthesis
- Domestication and engineering of algae strains using GMO and non-GMO methods
- Engineering of algae for environmental applications
- Algae photo-physiology in industrial settings
- New applications of algae using laboratory evolution, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology
Group members:
Associate Professor Michele Fabris (PI)
Dr Payal Patwari (Postdoc)
Dr Luca Morelli (Postdoc)
Dr Sabine van Oossanen (Postdoc)
Dr Ruqian Yang (Postdoc)
Florian Pruckner (PhD student)
Stine Degn Espersen(PhD student)
Laboratory and research capacity
We have expertise, capacity and streamlined workflows for high-throughput strain genetic engineering, screening, and phenotyping. Our laboratory is certified for GMO Class 1 work and equipped for the controlled cultivation of natural algal isolates and bioengineered strains.
Academic and industrial collaborations
We work with national and international academic and industrial partners. If you are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with us, feel free to get in touch (mif@igt.sdu.dk).
Funding
Our research is supported by the Villum Fonden, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Horizon Europe Framework Program, the EU Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the SDU Department of Green Technology (IGT) and the SDU Climate Cluster (SCC).
Our research in the news and media
Better Living Through Algae Biotechnology (The Scientist)
Bioengineered Phytoplankton For Heavy Metal Pollution Detection (Aquabiosens project news)
Engineered algae can be used to measure pollution in seawater (SDU-TEK news)