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Research targets

Currently, we focus on four major topics:

(1) Using microalgae for industrial applications. In cooperation with research partners and companies, we search for promising strains, which can be used for production of high-quality compounds such as allelopathic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids or Astaxanthin.

(2) Ecology of alkaline saline environments. Here we concentrate on the relationships between algae and environmental factors determining their distribution (e.g., nutrients, grazing, viruses, light supply).

(3) Species delineation and autecology of the filamentous green alga Spirogyra. This genus is distributed worldwide, however, only scarce information is available on its physico-chemical requirements. Within this research focus, the possible application of Spirogyra as a bioindicator is investigated.

(4) Calcifying algae in marine (Padina pavonica) and freshwater systems (Oocardium stratum). Central questions are the potential protective role of carbonate layers against excess irradiance and grazing.