Associated Research Groups
Laboratory for Protistology & Aquatic Ecology
Ghent University - Department of BiologyKrijgslaan 281 - S8
B-9000 Ghent
Belgium
tel.: +32-9-264.85.10
fax.: +32-9-264.85.99
Contact:
Microalgal Technologies
Within the field of plant biotechnology, microalgae research and technologies are one of the least trodden territories but undoubtedly promising to have enormous significance and various industrial applications. Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms which typically grow in aquatic environments, utilize solar energy and make it available in useable form for all organic life in lakes and rivers, seas and oceans. Microalgal technologies are believed to develop as multipurpose/multiproduct systems combining waste treatment (CO2 and polluted waters) with the production of renewable fuels and higher value products. In addition, while the mechanism of photosynthesis in microalgae is similar to that of higher plants, they are generally more efficient converters of solar energy because of their simple cellular structure. Why is nowadays technological application of microalgae still a relatively limited field of study? Largely because they are not nearly as well understood as other organisms that have found a role in modern biotechnology industry. The study of microalgae still represents an area of high risk but simultaneously high gains too.
The Diatoms
Diatoms (see the illustration) are ubiquitous, exist in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and represent the most diverse group of microalgae, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of 'the Ecosystem Earth'. Diatoms are estimated to account for about 20-25% of all organic matter produced through photosynthesis on our planet, which is the very oxygen we breath (this exceeds the production of all tropical rainforests that are often described as 'the Earth's lungs'). According to recent estimates, the group likely counts more than 100 000 species. Diatoms are becoming increasingly significant economically in aquaculture, nanotechnologies, medicine etc.
Diatoms as a Potential Energy Source
Some microalgae possess the property to produce oils inside their cells as a spare food supply or in response to certain environmental signals. They were estimated to be capable of producing 30 times the amount of oil per unit area of land, compared to terrestrial oilseed crop. Remarkably, the lipid production potential of diatoms is apparently the highest among microalgae: data demonstrate that lipids can account for 20-30% of their body weight. In the framework of multidisciplinary collaboration within the University of Ghent, work is being initiated to study and evaluate various aspects underpinning potential economical applications of diatoms, e.g. cultivability, oil production and nanotechnology. The production of these organisms in larger quantities is also a topic of interest.