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University Of Patras, G. Seferi 2, Agrinio atekerle@upatras.gr +302641074204

Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology

Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology

The research interest of the Microbiology Laboratory (ML) (Department of Biology) is related to the study and production of microbial lipids (SCOs) from oleaginous microorganisms, which have exceptional composition or structure, of high biotechnological interest. In recent years, ML research interests have focused on the effect of the use of animal feed containing microelements and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on fish growth and the beneficial effects of them to the consumers’ health. Research in ML also includes the development of innovative biotechnological applications, through the cultivation of selected oleaginous microorganisms in low-cost substrates (agro-industrial residues, raw glycerol, olive-mill wastewaters, etc.) for the production of SCOs rich in PUFAs or their further conversion into biofuels (biodiesel, bio-hydrogen), reducing the toxicity of waste with the aim to be used in food production. In addition, basic research focuses on clarifying important biochemical events in the cells of oleaginous microorganisms, growing in hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic substrates.

Lab head: George Aggelis

Education

  • Diploma of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens (1977-82)
  • Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies (Sciences des Aliments – Nutrition – Fermentation), Universite des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier II – France (1985-86)
  • Doctorat en Biochimie, Biologie Cellulaire et Moleculaire, Universite des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier II – France (1986-89)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Agricultural University of Athens (1989-93)

Research interests

  • Oleaginous microorganisms
  • Biotechnology of microbial lipids
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • Organic acids
  • Phenolics degradation
  • Metabolism of sugars, glycerol, methanol, fatty acids
  • Modeling of biological processes

Alexandra Daskalaki studied Biology at the University of Patras, where she obtained a master’s degree in “Biological Technology”. Her research interests are focused on the study of physiology of oleaginous microorganisms, both heterotrophs (yeasts, fungi) and autotrophs (microalgae) and their fermentation processes (solid or liquid, aerobic or anaerobic) for the production of high added value microbial metabolic compounds (e.g. Single Cell Oils-SCOs, organic acids, microbial proteins etc.).

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