Searching for youth in marine environments

Biotechnology uses living microorganisms to obtain natural molecules for a specific use without harvesting or extracting from nature, so it links both expressed needs. Applying science and engineering in the manufacturing processes leads to an optimal performance, an adequate growth and a maximal productivity of a microorganism, allowing the development of complex molecules that otherwise could not be obtained.

Aquatic ecosystems are an immense source of potentially beneficial molecules, offering diversity at all levels and covering a vast area of the planet. They are home to multiple species and organisms that rely on them for food and protection, including tiny planktonic organisms of the marine food net base (like phytoplankton and zooplankton), fish species, invertebrates (sponges, crustaceans, molluscs...) and large marine mammals. Such organisms need to adapt to these special ecosystems to survive, dealing with a high pH (around 8), seawater salinity (35 ppt on average, generally 85% of sodium and chlorine), currents, waves, tides and drastic gradients of limiting factors like light, temperature and oxygen, among other harsh factors. In fact, there are certain aquatic areas where conditions are even more adverse, as they occur in Antarctica, intertidal shores, bays and estuaries.

Unique molecules in unique habitats