Biotechnology: Product Development
and Technological Innovation
The different collections involved in INCT-CERBC comprise preserved and well-characterized microorganisms that provide an essential foundation for research and innovation and facilitate the discovery of bioactive compounds, such as enzymes and secondary metabolites, vital for developing new products with biotechnological application.
The combination of advanced technologies, including high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, allows for a comprehensive characterisation and cataloging of fungal biodiversity, thereby facilitating the discovery of novel compounds with potential pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Furthermore, innovative cultivation techniques and bioprocessing methods boost the production of valuable fungal metabolites, including enzymes and bioactive substances, thereby supporting sustainable practices in biotechnology. The ongoing exploration of these biological resources will contribute to our understanding of ecosystems and foster economic growth and innovation in biotechnology.
Objectives
1
Conduct taxonomic and phylogenetic studies to characterize biodiversity and identify new taxa.
2
Isolate new oomycete fungi from forest species, identifying and characterizing them using morphological, physiological, and molecular markers.
3
Characterize biodiversity and identify new species through taxonomic and phylogenetic studies.
4
Molecularly identify and preserve endophytic isolates from flowers and fruits of temperate climate species.
5
Provide technical training to ICMBio staff and other environmental agency personnel, emphasizing the significance and risks of fungi in cave environments.
6
Compare filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from human bones and decomposing cadavers, using morphological and molecular markers across different decomposition stages.
7
Test various cultivation media to determine the growth time of isolated microorganisms on different substrates and temperatures, aiming to provide tools for future forensic studies.
8
Propose methodologies to assist in determining the post-mortem interval, using filamentous fungi and yeasts.
9
Produce materials and products of technological and scientific innovation in the fields of health and biotechnology.