PROMICON Asks, UPC Answers - Team 'Natural Consortia for Learning and Production'

Continuing our exploration of PROMICON's #PromiconAsksPromiconAnswers campaign, let's shift our focus to UPC project members contributing to the 'Natural Consortia for Learning and Production'. They are dedicated to cultivating microbiomes from both natural and industrial environments in finely tuned bioreactors. Their objective? Explore the potential of these microbiomes to strategically leverage finely-tuned bioreactors to extract valuable bioproducts such as extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and phycobiliprotein pigments (PPP). 

UPC's work process begins with careful cultivation of diverse microbiomes, sourced from a range of environments. This collection serves as the foundational raw material for subsequent processes and explorations. This detailed process not only maximises output but also ensures the stability of microbiomes, a critical factor in their competitiveness and economic viability for sustained bioproduct production.

The bioproducts, each with unique applications, hold significant promise across various industries. EPS finds utility in pharmaceuticals and food, PHA emerges as a bio-based alternative to traditional plastics, and PPP plays a crucial role in biotechnology and bioimaging. Key to UPC's success in this context is the ongoing development of robust strategies for controlling bioreactors. These strategies are integral to creating and maintaining stable microbiomes, ensuring consistent performance over time. Stability is the linchpin for competitiveness and economic feasibility in the sustained production of EPS, PHA, and PPP.

Stay tuned for the upcoming posts and follow #PAPA on our social media channels.