UST Collection of Microbial Strains

Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences University of Santo Tomas, Manila

In cooperation with UST Graduate School Invites you to a 3-day seminar-workshop on

Rationale: Halophytophthoras and Thraustochytrids are common inhabitants of marine and brackishwater environments, especially in tropical and sub-tropical mangroves. They are one of the initial and important colonizers of fallen mangrove leaves, which help in efficient degradation and nutrient enrichment of plant debris, making mangroves as productive nursery grounds for many aquatic animals. The commercial potential of these microbes has been tapped recently, especially for Thraustochytrids, which were found to be efficient producers of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Their potential for biofuel production is also being assessed, as well as for production of other novel compounds.

Despite the importance and potential of these marine microbes, very limited information are available in the Philippines. Very few studies were undertaken to date on isolation, production of PUFAs and its utilization in aquaculture. Expertise on these group of microbes is also limited, thus this lecture-workshop will be a great opportunity for all the participants to get familiarized with these organisms, in terms of their ecological importance, isolation procedures, morphological characteristics, as well as some of their commercial potential.