MAESE

Definition: The MAESE (Edaphic Microalgae of Southeast Spain) collection contains lineages isolated mainly from the southeast of the Iberian peninsula, from edaphic, subaerial and aquatic environments

Microbial group/s: Microalgae (including cyanobacteria)

Total number of strains: More than 250

Taxa (number of strains): In cataloging process but belonging to Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Streptophyta, Rhodophyta, Heterokontophyta

Isolation source/Origin: Soil, subaerial environments, salt and fresh waters

Preservation method: “in vivo” (agarized media)

Information management: Excel

Characterization level: Traditional taxonomy (all), molecular (some) and biotecnologically characterized (some)

Fatty acid characterization and toxic profile (cyanotoxins)

Key words: microalgae, cyanophyta, chlorophyta, rodophyta, diatoms, heterokontophyta, cyanotoxins, fatty acids.

Summary: The research group began by focusing on biodiversity studies given the paucity of existing data on algae communities in semi-arid regions. The taxonomic and ecological characterization has been enriched over the years with ultrastructural, biotechnological (fatty acids) and toxicological (cyanotoxin) studies. The fundamental focus has always been on continental systems, but in recent years organisms from marine and marsh systems have also been incorporated.

In process of biosafety level 2

The collection has been enriched throughout the more than thirty years of existence of the Algology Laboratory, through research projects carried out in different types of habitats. Although it has been used mainly for research purposes at the university level, strains have also been transferred to companies