My research was focused on the study of known an unknown biosynthetic pathways of algal lipids used in climate reconstruction and with potential commercial value.A typical project would look like this: - Use of algal fermentation and harvesting techniques- Extraction of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites and lipids- Genome assembly (after removal of reads belonging to potential contaminants)- Transcriptome assembly - Genome annotation leveraging different gene prediction and annotation methods- RNAseq analyses- Lipidomic analyses - Integration of “Omics” datasets and obtention of candidate genes - Evaluate the presence of our candidate genes in other organisms using publicly available databases - Design targeted genomic approaches for the detection of these organisms in the environment Some of these projects are finished, but some are on their way to the print, you check them out here:https://lnkd.in/dVNm4qZd

My main role in this project was to find and test different approaches to increase production and improve genetic stability of genetically modified Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 strains producing lactate or ethanol. This was achieved by testing different promoter and gene combinations, increasing the flux towards the precursor molecules and by testing different culturing conditions. The development of an improved ethanol producing strain was carried out within the Direct Ethanol from MicroAlgae (DEMA) consortium

Development of a cyanobacterial strain capable of producing erythritol, a sweetener used in food industry. I worked with Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 which can not produce erythritol naturally, since it lacks the two genes needed in order to convert pyruvate to erythritol. Therefore, my main task was to genetically modify this strain and test different combinations of these genes as well as testing different gene insertion methods (homologous recombination vs. self replicating plasmids). At the same time I worked on the development of an enzymatic assay for erythritol quantification that would replace quantification by HPLC.

Crystallisation of the Membrane Protein Ubiquinol Oxidase.I carried out cultivation of E.coli on a 15L fermenter, protein extraction, protein purification using chromatography and membrane protein crystallisation using the hanging drop technique. I also participated in the data collection during a trip to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Isolation and purification of different microbial strains degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from contaminated soils and water samples.I also worked in the isolation and sequencing of the gene coding for an angular dioxigenase in PAH degrading Burkholderia cepacia.