The Laboratory is active in the research fields of biotechnology and biochemical processes, focusing on the utilization of cellular biomass for the biosynthesis and recovery of high value-added biomolecules. In particular, the main research activities of the Laboratory are summarized in the following thematic areas:
1. Cultivation of microorganisms (microalgae, bacteria, yeasts)
Development and optimization of high bioaccumulation microbial culture protocols for targeted bioactive substances and biodegradable biopolymers (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoic acids – PHAs) for innovative applications in the food, cosmetology, agriculture, and renewable energy industries.
Conducting scaling-up studies of microbial culture systems at semi-pilot and pilot scale, ensuring the stability of the technologies in real-life environments.
Development of hybrid systems for the simultaneous cultivation of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, with the aim of recycling resources between the two culture systems.
2. Cellular biomass clustering – Recovery of high value-added biomolecules
Processing of cellular biomass through the application of innovative and environmentally friendly technologies to recover targeted bioactive biomolecules such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, pigments, amino acids, probiotics, etc.
Chemical composition analysis of cellular biomass for the characterization and exploitation of targeted biomolecules.
3. Dynamic simulation, tuning, and optimisation of biochemical reactor operation
Development of mathematical models for simulation, prediction, control, and optimisation of biochemical processes and their underlying phenomena (metabolic networks, transport phenomena).
Use of machine learning to simulate the behaviour of crops in order to develop hybrid multi-scale models that serve as tools for the optimal design of crop systems to maximise the yield of feedstocks with the desired biomass composition.
4. Techno-economic and environmental assessment of biotechnological and biochemical processes
Evaluation of the commercial viability and competitiveness of new biotechnological products by conducting techno-economic analyses.
Assessment of the environmental impact of these processes and products by applying life cycle assessment (LCA) studies.
5. Development of new products
Design and development of new functional food and natural cosmetic products incorporating bioactive ingredients from microalgae biomass.
Development of innovative bioproducts for agricultural applications, such as plant biofertilisers from microalgal protein fractions.