We, Insa Mannott and Imke Lang, applied to ASSEMBLE Plus for two good reasons: first, we were interested in learning more about cryopreservation of marine microalgae and the CCAP Team at [EMBRC partner] SAMS offered us access to excellent know-how and infrastructure. The second reason was to deepen our collaborations with colleagues at SAMS and to get the opportunity for a scientific exchange on-site.
Our research is related to microalgae biotechnology and we would like to establish a cell bank for our production strains which allows for a high viability after thawing. This is important in order to ensure a high productivity and quality of microalgae strains and their products in the fermentation process.
At CCAP/SAMS, we got the opportunity to test different cryopreservation protocols for various strains of red microalgae. We also learned new cultivation techniques for strain maintenance and purification.
The results obtained helped us a lot to proceed with the establishment of standardised cryo protocols. Visiting CCAP/SAMS in Oban was just excellent. The hosts were wonderful and very supportive and we made friends and very much benefited from this great experience.
ASSEMBLE Plus: Association of European Marine Biological Laboratories Expanded
ASSEMBLE Plus is a Horizon 2020-funded project which brings together 32 marine stations and institutes. Coordinated by EMBRC, the project provides research and networking opportunities to scientists in Europe and beyond to enhance marine biology research.
