LABORATOY OF PHYCOLOGY

Research lines

Bioprospecting of macroalgae for the production of high-value-added products

We investigate the biochemical composition of macroalgae, including pigments, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and polyphenols, as well as the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antitumor properties and the chemical characteristics of cell-wall polysaccharides from different macroalgal species. Our aim is to identify natural compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors.

Valorization of algal biomass for the development of biomaterials

We evaluate and develop integrated biomass valorization strategies based on the extraction, purification, and characterization of biopolymers and bioactive compounds. We design and formulate functional materials, such as hydrogels, and characterize their physicochemical properties, bioactivity—including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities—and biocompatibility, with potential applications in biomedical and dermocosmetic fields.

Optimization of macroalgal cultivation

We aim to identify optimal cultivation techniques for different macroalgal species according to their morphology and life cycle, as well as optimal temperature, nutrient, and light conditions for establishing cultures under controlled laboratory conditions and their subsequent scale-up to higher cultivation densities.

Biology, ecology, phylogeny, and functional molecular biology of marine macroalgae

We study the diversity and distribution of benthic marine macroalgae in southern Buenos Aires Province and the North Patagonian region. We seek to understand the biological processes and environmental variables that drive temporal changes in macroalgal communities, with the aim of promoting the sustainable use and conservation of marine algal resources. We employ molecular biology tools for taxonomic and systematic studies of macroalgae from the Argentine coast and incorporate gene expression analyses by qPCR to evaluate physiological responses to environmental fluctuations and stress conditions.

Ecotoxicity assessment and algal bioremediation

We investigate the physiological and cellular responses of microalgae and macroalgae to contaminants and environmental samples, evaluating their potential as sentinel organisms for environmental monitoring. In addition, we study the capacity of macroalgae to accumulate metals and microdebris, highlighting their potential applications in both biomonitoring and biomitigation strategies.