Objective
Marine microorganisms form an almost untapped resource of biotechnological potential. However, its use is hindered by the low success rate of isolation of novel microorganisms and often by poor growth efficiency. Hence, the vast majority of marine microorganisms has not been cultivated and is often considered as ‘unculturable’. MaCuMBA aims at improving the isolation rate and growth efficiency of marine microorganisms from conventional and extreme habitats, by applying innovative methods, and the use of automated high throughput procedures. The approaches include the co-cultivation of interdependent microorganisms, as well as gradient cultures and other methods mimicking the natural environment, and the exploitation of cell-to-cell communication. Signaling molecules produced by microorganisms may be necessary for stimulating growth of the same or other species, or may prevent their growth. Signaling molecules also represent an interesting and marketable product. MaCuMBA will make use of high throughput platforms such Cocagne, using gel micro-droplet technology, or MicroDish in which many thousands of cultures are grown simultaneously. Various single-cell isolation methods, such as optical tweezers, will aid the isolation of specific target cells. Isolated microorganisms as well as their genomes will be screened for a wide range of bioactive products and other properties of biotechnological interest, such as genetic transformability. Growth efficiency and expression of ‘silent’ genes of selected strains will be increased also by using the clues obtained from genomic information. MaCuMBA is targeted to SMEs and industry and they make a significant part of the consortium, ensuring that the project focuses on the interests of these partners. Moreover, MaCuMBA has adopted a comprehensive and professional exploitation, dissemination, implementation, and education strategy, ensuring that MaCuMBA’s results and products will be directed to end-users and stakeholders.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP7-KBBE-2012-6-singlestage
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Coordinator
1797 SZ DEN HOORN TEXEL
Netherlands
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Participants (23)
1012WX Amsterdam
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29238 BREST
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Participation ended
EH3 9EP EDINBURGH
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12489 Berlin
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1171 PK BADHOEVEDORP
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29200 Brest
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8400 OOSTENDE
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8 Dublin
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113 Reykjavik
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03202 Elche
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T12 YN60 Cork
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CV4 8UW COVENTRY
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2800 Kongens Lyngby
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20122 Milano
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75794 Paris
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EH14 4AS Edinburgh
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79098 Freiburg
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28770 Madrid
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38124 Braunschweig
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Participation ended
1749-016 Lisbon
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28359 Bremen
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33500 LIBOURNE
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3430 TULLN
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