Algal and Microbial Biotechnology Research Group

Self-sufficiency of human crews during long-term space missions is one of the current challenges of space research. A key element in addressing this issue lies in bioregenerative life support systems, which employ photosynthetic organisms (such as plants, microalgae, or cyanobacteria) to recycle crew waste products, produce oxygen and food, and absorb carbon dioxide — thus forming the basis of a sustainable ecosystem within a spacecraft or space station. Our research group is contributing to the preparation of the METRO experiment (MEtabolic gases TRansfer for Optimised algae growth), which will be carried out on the International Space Station (ISS) during the mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda at the turn of 2027/2028. The aim of the experiment is to study gas transfer between the liquid phase (algal culture medium) and the gaseous phase (ISS atmosphere) in microgravity, and its impact on microalgae growth. The data obtained will enable the design of efficient photobioreactors for use in space missions. These systems are expected to ensure continuous oxygen and food production through carbon dioxide recycling, thereby contributing to the self-sufficiency of crews aboard spacecraft.

The development of undesirable aquatic cyanobacterial blooms caused by eutrophication of surface waters is one of the current environmental challenges. The most effective solution is a thorough analysis of conditions in the reservoir basin, identification of nutrient sources, and their elimination. However, if the reservoir water has already reached a state of eu- or hypertrophy, there are limited options to address the situation. Some of these are highly costly and invasive (dredging of sediments), while others have only a temporary effect and consist of introducing chemicals into the water (use of coagulants or algicides). Suitable strains of certain microscopic algae and cyanobacteria have properties that can be used to advantage to pump dissolved nutrients from the water into the biomass and, in combination with a new type of floating photobioreactor with a semi-permeable bottom used in situ, it should be relatively easy to remove the accumulated biomass (including nutrients) from the water and use it, for example, as an organic fertilizer.

Fresh biomass obtained from a photobioreactor is sensorial and significantly more acceptable (taste and odor neutral) than dried biomass (fishy smell and aftertaste). Since there are practically no scientific publications on the safety and suitability of fresh biomass consumption and no recommendations on storage, we plan to test this biomass for safety and shelf-life and to compare dry and fresh biomass in terms of the degree of degradation of health-promoting substances (unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants). If the assumption that the fresh biomass of Arthrospira maxima is suitable for consumption and more valuable than dried biomass is verified, this will allow the subsequent development of new healthful or therapeutic food products.

We expect to improve overall health, increase yields, and disease resistance, and reduce the use of water and conventional pesticides during cultivation. Sub-objectives: 1) Identification of suitable microalgae strains with known biostimulatory effects and at the same time viable biotechnological production of biomass and/​or extracellular bioactive compounds 2) Formulation and optimization of the formulation (identification of appropriate concentration and dose of the bioactive component, method, and timing of application, setting of appropriate physicochemical properties and ensuring shelf life) 3) Verification of the effects of the formulation through in vitro and in vivo tests on selected important agricultural crops — legumes.