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Writer's pictureJags Pandhal

A Research Journey at Wageningen University: Exploring Microalgal Biotechnology

By Jose Cachay


As part of my PhD research, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Wageningen University in the Netherlands for a two-week training focused on genetic transformation of Nannochloropsis oceanica. The main goal of my visit was to advance my research by learning new techniques and acquiring essential skills in molecular biology. Under the guidance of Dr. Sarah D'Adamo from the Microalgal Biotechnology team, I had access to state-of-the-art facilities, including highly controlled incubators and molecular biology labs, where I worked on electroporation-based transformations. The experience allowed me to expand my skillset, particularly in designing genetic constructs and utilizing molecular tools established by their lab.


The campus at Wageningen is a welcoming environment, and I was fortunate to work in the Radix building, home to the Bioprocess Engineering group. One of the highlights of my visit was touring AlgaePARC, one of Europe’s largest microalgae research facilities. The facility boasts photobioreactors exceeding 2,000 liters in volume, paired with a pilot-level setup for downstream processing of microalgal biomass. The cutting-edge research and scale of the operations were truly impressive, and visiting such a facility gave me invaluable insights into the practical aspects of microalgal cultivation and bioprocessing. 


In addition to hands-on lab work, I attended meetings where group members presented their novel research on topics like chloroplast engineering, photosynthesis improvement, and biomass utilization. I also had the pleasure of collaborating with some wonderful researchers and PhD students, including Francisco, Nicola, Sylviah, and Sofia. Their guidance and camaraderie helped me navigate the lab environment, and their advice was indispensable whenever challenges arose during my experiments.


Daily check-ins with Dr. D'Adamo ensured that I stayed on track with my research goals, and I greatly benefited from her mentorship throughout the genetic transformation process.


From a technical perspective, this visit was instrumental in refining my abilities in vector design, inverse PCR, and flow cytometry. I was able to enhance my technique for Nannochloropsis transformation through electroporation, and the skills I gained in constructing vectors using Gibson assembly have already had a positive impact on my PhD work. Beyond the academic realm, I also got a taste of Dutch culture, from biking to the university every day to enjoying a BBQ with the microalgae research group. The city of Wageningen, with its beautiful forests and serene surroundings, provided the perfect contrast to the highly technological atmosphere of the university’s campus.

Overall, my visit to Wageningen University was a transformative experience. It not only advanced my research but also broadened my horizons through meaningful collaborations and cultural exchanges. I left with a deeper understanding of microalgal biotechnology and new friendships that will undoubtedly shape my future academic journey.

 

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