Onubenses researchers obtain microalgae with substances beneficial to the organism

Researchers in biochemistry in the Department of chemistry and science of materials of the University of Huelva (UHU) are developing a project which obtained microalgae of high content of carotenoids, beneficial to the human body substances. Carotenoids are mainly used in Dietetics, cosmetics or food aquaculture. Andalusia Innova sources have confirmed that experts aim to obtain strains that synthesize new carotenoids or as many of those who already manufactured. The initiative is a project of excellence that the Department of innovation, science and business has encouraged with 242.728 euros, during the call 2009.

The research team will know the genes that encode enzymes involved in the route of synthesis of carotenoids in microalgae. They would be something like the pieces that form the "instructions" where specifies how microorganisms generated these substances for the body. Rosa María León, the principal investigator of the project "decoded once this 'recipe', the experts may modify by introducing new genes or silencing some, to increase its production of carotenoids", it added. In this way, seeks to achieve lines which will produce natural substances using solar and high consumption of CO₂.

The Huelva group will bring their previous knowledge in these genetic tasks, since they were the first to genetically modify the route of synthesis of carotenoids in microalgae. "There are examples where has genetically manipulated the route in higher plants, such as the so-called golden rice, in which rice is modified to improve their nutritional properties." "However, are the only ones we have succeeded in the genetic manipulation of this route in microalgae", added Rosa León. In addition to adjust the models of microalgae that produce more carotenoids, it will deepen in the process, the synthesis of enzymes, as well as new species which serve as a model of study.