Blue Biotechnology
Bioprospecting of marine micro-organisms with high biotechnological potential.
At AZTI we specialise in bioprospecting for marine microorganisms with high biotechnological potential. We use advanced molecular tools (meta-omics) to search for activities of interest in environmental samples and we explore the use of marine bacterial cultures in the laboratory for various applications.
- Isolation and cultivation of marine microorganisms: We isolate microorganisms from diverse marine environments and maintain a collection of over 1,000 bacterial strains with biotechnological potential. We explore diverse cultivation techniques and characterise genotypically and functionally strains of interest.
- Bioinformatics analysis using omics: We combine omics analysis (genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics) with activity assays to identify marine genes of biotechnological relevance and facilitate their application in industrial processes.
- Advanced microscopy: We apply confocal and electron microscopy techniques to study processes in the extracellular matrix of marine bacteria, rich in bioactive components.
Research areas:
- Marine microbiome: We analyse the microbiome of diverse marine environments using bioinformatics tools such as metabarcoding and omics.
- Marine enzymes: We study complex polysaccharide processing enzymes for their application in various fields such as glycomedicine and algal biorefining.
- Marine exopolysaccharides: We characterise exopolysaccharides from the extracellular matrix of marine bacteria that show bioactivity for the cosmetic and nutraceutical industry.
- Bioremediation: We isolate bacteria from contaminated marine environments for use as bioremediation agents.
- Probiotics for aquaculture: We explore the use of omega-3 producing bacteria as probiotics in aquaculture.
Sectors of application:
- Glycomedicine
- Algae biorefinery
- Cosmetics
- Nutraceuticals
- Bioremediation
- Aquaculture
- Blue carbon ecosystems
Benefits:
We offer specialised R&D&I to explore new frontiers in marine biotechnology and its application in multiple areas of industrial activity. We have a multidisciplinary team in which we combine microbiological studies and advanced bioinformatics analysis both in bacterial isolates in the laboratory and in marine environmental samples. Thanks to our participation in numerous consortia, both nationally and internationally, we have access to an important research network.
Projects of note:
- MOSAIC / EMOTION: Biotechnological applications for marine polysaccharide hydrolysing enzymes.
- MERCLUB: Bioremediation of mercury using marine bacteria.
- FISHEALTH: Innovation and development of solutions for the control of infectious diseases in aquaculture production.
