Welcome

The Diacel-consortium focuses on fundamental and valorizing research on microalgae and includes research groups from the Departments of Science and Bio-engineering of Ghent University, the VIB Department Plant Systems Biology and the University College West-Flanders with complementary expertise in the research of microalgae and its important applications.

The main assets of Diacel are:

- A unique BCCM diatom collection
- Strain improvement through molecular breeding
- Growth optimization through life cycle control
- Functional gene discovery in diatoms
- Genetic engineering of diatom strains
- Fermentation techniques for energy production
- Bioflocculation of microalgae
- Use of waste streams (waste water & flue gasses)
- Screening of important compounds in microalgae
- Close-to-the-market approach

The consortium exploits the biotechnological potential of diatoms and other microalgae in the industry of food & feed, aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, petro chemistry, energy and nanotechnology. Diacel is cooperating with industrial and scientific partners in (inter)national and small-scale research projects, based on the strategic development of an IP-portfolio.