05th March | Faro, Portugal
The University of Algarve (UAlg), through researchers affiliated with the Algarve Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), is focussing on the study of potential compounds (biomolecules) from promising species of microalgae. Microalgae can produce high-value biomolecules, generating significant interest in the blue bioeconomy sector.
In the OrgMedChem group, at CCMAR-UAlg, we are working to optimize the process of extraction and identification of metabolites from microalgae Nitzschia sp. (Figure 1), for future evaluation of bioactivity. The cultivation of this microalga is carried out in collaboration with Greencolab – Associação Oceano Verde (Faro, Portugal), an associated partner of the project.
The optimization encompasses the analysis of several variables that influence the extraction process. For example, it is important to ensure cell-disruption by checking the cell status using a microscope (Figure 2). After extraction, analysis of the metabolic profile ensues, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Figure 3). The variables associated to the analytical instrument are also subject to optimization (e.g.: flow rate, temperature and injection volume) to allow for better peak separation and more accurate peak identification. We are also using liquid chromatography techniques to complement the analysis, since some compounds cannot be analysed by GC-MS.
Author:
Marc Bello Pintor
A Master researcher from the University of Algarve currently working on the EU-funded BEAP-MAR project. An excellent opportunity that combines his passion for Analytical Chemistry with the potential of marine ecosystems and promising research on the Blue Bioeconomy in the Atlantic Area.
