- Kumaran, J., Poulose, S., Joseph, V., Bright Singh, I.S., 2021a. Enhanced biomass production and proximate composition of marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica by optimization of medium composition and culture conditions using response surface methodology. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 271, 114761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114761 view
- Kumaran, J., Singh, I.S.B., Joseph, V., 2021b. Effective biomass harvesting of marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri by chitosan-induced flocculation, preservation of biomass, and recycling of culture medium for aquaculture feed application. J. Appl. Phycol. 33, 1605–1619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-021-02369-4 view
- Leber CA, C. Benjamin Naman , Lena Keller, JehadAlmaliti, Eduardo J. E. Caro-Diaz,, EvgeniaGlukhov,, Valsamma Joseph, Sajeevan TP, Andres Joshua Reyes, Jason S. Biggs, Te Li, Ye Yuan, Shan He, Xiaojun Yan. and William H. Gerwick . 2020. Applying a Chemogeographic Strategy for Natural Product Discovery from the Marine Cyanobacterium Moorena bouillonii. Marine Drugs, 18, 515; doi:10.3390/md18100515 view
- Sabu, S., Singh, I.S.B., Joseph, V., 2019. Improved lipid production in oleaginous brackish diatom Navicula phyllepta MACC8 using two-stage cultivation approach. 3 Biotech 9, 437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-019-1968-1 view
- Kumaran, J., Jose, B., Joseph, V., Bright Singh, I.S., 2017. Optimization of growth requirements of marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri using Response Surface Methodology. Aquac. Res. 48, 1513–1524. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.12987 view
- Sabu, S., Bright Singh, I.S., Joseph, V., 2017a. Molecular Identification and Comparative Evaluation of Tropical Marine Microalgae for Biodiesel Production. Mar. Biotechnol. 19, 328–344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-017-9754-8 view
- Sabu, S., Singh, I.S.B., Joseph, V., 2017b. Optimisation of critical medium components and culture conditions for enhanced biomass and lipid production in the oleaginous diatom Navicula phyllepta: a statistical approach. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 24, 26763–26777. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0274-x view
Algae are a diverse group of aquatic, photosynthetic organisms generally categorized as either macro algae (i.e, seaweed) microalgae (unicellular). As aquatic relatives of plants, microalgae thrive in aerated, liquid cultures where the cells have sufficient access to light, carbon dioxide and other nutrients. Algae are primarily photoautotrophic and few species are heterotrophic in nature. Unlike terrestrial plants, which require fertile land or irrigation, microalgae can grow in a wide range of habitats. Successful commercial utilization of microalgae has been established in the production of nutritional supplements, antioxidants, cosmetics,natural dyes and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
Algal biotechnology refers to the application of microalgae and macro algae or their derivatives,to synthesize or modify products or processes for specific use.Nowadays, algae are universally acknowledged as sustainable producers for diverse and structurally complex bioactive compounds, with great potential for human and environmental welfares. Marine microalgae and macroalgae being a nutritionally rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids are the natural food source for the larval stages of many aquaculture organisms.
However, the industrial use of these algae is hampered by the lack of knowledge on those factors which precisely control growth and reproduction. Though plant developmental biology and tissue culture technique have advanced very much, there are only few in depth studies on macro as well as microalgae. The sustainable management of seaweed aquaculture requires fundamental understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms controlling their life cycles from production of germ cells to the growth and fertility of adult organisms using diverse approaches requiring technological tools. Our research study is aimed to make a substantial contribution to closing the knowledge gap in the area of algae biotechnology.
Algal biotechnology is one of the center’s primary research focuses. The research team focusing on the biosynthesis of hydrocarbon of biofuel significance from marine algae, Scale up culture of marine microalgae for using it as aquaculture feed, isolation of quorum quenching molecules from Cyanobacteria and tissue culture of seaweeds etc.
Microalgal cultures
Light Microscopic Image of Navicula phyllepta
Light Microscopic Images of C. muelleri
Scanning Electron Microscopic Image of C. muelleri
RSM plots of estimated total lipid in N. phyllepta MACC8
Nile Red Staining of Microalgal Cells
Nile Red Staining of Microalgal Cells
Scanning Electron Microscopic Images of various microalgal cells
Sargassum wightii
Recent Updates
- Supplementation of marine microalgal species to ornamental fishes resulted in increased growth, immunity, and pigment content.
- New economically feasible Soya bean meal medium for Bacillus cereus, a probiotic for aquaculture has been found with higher activity of hydrolytic enzymes.
- Optimisation of hydrocarbon production in the most potent producer Psammodictyon panduriforme
- Development of new species of microalgae for shellfish and finfish culture
- High-density microalgal biomass production in an indigenously developed photobioreactor
Research Projects
- Cell and developmental biology of Marine organisms funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India
- Nutritional evaluation, segregation and production optimization of novel marine microalgae for establishment as live feeds in fish and shellfish culture funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India
- Indo-US initiatives on innovative reforms in marine biotechnology education and research and development of sustainable aquaculture production systems for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development funded by University Grants Commission, Govt. of India (under the Indo-US 21st Century Knowledge Initiative)
- Structure and biosynthetic pathway elucidation of high value hydrocarbons from the brown seaweed Zonaria species for potential biofuel applications (as part of Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship) funded by University Grants Commission (Raman PDF)
- Optimization of neutral lipid and biomass production by marine microalgae and expression pattern of the key genes in neutral lipid biosynthesis funded by University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi
- Development of photobioreactors for mass production of marine microalgae as live feed in aquaculture systems funded by Kerala Biotechnology Commission, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Kerala, India
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Research Publications
- Saranya M. Valsamma Joseph (2022) Presented a paper on Marine benthic cyanobacteria Leptolynbya sp.MACC32 with quorum quenching activity against pathogenic V. harveyi in the golden jubilee International online conference- Biotech spectrum 2022.
- Thasreefa. K, I. S. Bright Singh, V. Joseph, 2022. Growth Performance and Survival of Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) in response to Chitosan Flocculated Marine Microalga Picochlorum maculatum MACC3 Supplemented Diets,  34th Kerala Science Congress, Thiruvananthapuram, 10-12, February 2022, p. 317.
- Soumya S. Prakash, Mary Jincy P. J, K. Thasreefa, Sajeevan T. P., I. S. Bright Singh,Valsamma Joseph, 2022. Effect of Nutritionally Rich Microalgal Species on Growth,Survival and Reproduction of Copepod Oithona rigida,  34th Kerala Science Congress,conducted by KSCSTE, Thiruvananthapuram, 10-12, February 2022, p. 369.
- Indira.K, Valsamma Joseph (2022) Screening of marine diatoms for hydrocarbons ofbiofuel significance. Proceedings of 34th Kerala Science Congress conducted by KSCSTE (09-07),10-12 February 2022 p361
- K. Indira, Valsamma Joseph (2022) Benthic diatom Psammodictyon panduriforme isolated from the west coast of India a potent hydrocarbon producer of biofuel significance.International conference on ADVANCED BIOLOGY conducted by Inter University Centre for Evolutionary and Integrative Biology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum (04-59),22-25 February2022p93
- Jisha Kumaran (2020) Production of Chaetoceros muelleri and Nannochloropsis oceanica in an indigenously developed vertical flat panel photobioreactor for integrating to aquaculture
- Sanyo Sabu 2017. Optimization of neutral lipid and biomass production by marine microalgae and expression pattern of the key genes in neutral lipid biosynthesis. view view
- Deepa G. D. 2017 Cyano bacterial probiotics MCCB114 and 115: Their identification, heterotrophic bacterial association and ecological significance view
- Arun Augustine. 2015. Polyunsaturated Fatty acid production in marine microalga Picochlorum maculatum. view
Focus Areas
- Structure and Biosynthesis of hydrocarbon of biofuel significance in Marine algae
- Quorum quenching molecules from Marine cyanobacteria against Vibrio harveyi for application in aquaculture
- Production of marine microalga Picochlorum maculatum MACC3 based feed for aquaculture nutrition
- Marine microalgal biomass production in indigenous photobioreactor: kinetic modeling and downstream processing.
- Developmental biology of marine macroalgae Sargassum wightii at molecular level and identification of growth factors and microbiome for application in micro-propagation.
Collaborating Institutes
Scripps Institution of Oceanography C Abdul Hakeem College Bharathidasan UniversityOur Team
Prof. Valsamma Joseph
Saranya M.
Indira K.
Thasreefa K.
Soumya S. Prakash
Chithira M. S.
Dr. K. S. Prasanna, is a dedicated academic and researcher contributing to the intersection of veterinary pathology and aquaculture. Her work focuses on understanding and managing diseases in aquatic species, with a goal to enhance the health and sustainability of aquaculture systems.
Dr. Basdeo Kushwaha, Principal Scientist and In-Charge of the National Repository of Fish Cell Lines (NRFC) at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, is a renowned expert in fish cell culture, aquatic animal health, and biotechnology. His pioneering work in developing and maintaining fish cell lines has greatly contributed to the study of aquatic animal diseases, toxicology, and fish genetics, playing a vital role in the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Dr. Preena P.G., Senior Lecturer at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in aquatic animal health and sustainable aquaculture practices. With extensive expertise in fish immunology, disease management, and microbiology, Dr. Preena has made significant contributions to advancing health management strategies for aquaculture species, particularly in addressing the challenges of emerging pathogens.
Dr. T. V. Anilkumar, Scientist G and Head of the Division of Experimental Pathology at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, is a distinguished researcher known for his interdisciplinary contributions. With expertise in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, Dr. Anilkumar’s work has extended to developing sustainable solutions for aquaculture, particularly in the areas of health management and biomaterials for aquatic applications.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Khan, a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Kashmir, is a prominent researcher in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. With a strong focus on aquatic biodiversity, fish health, and sustainable aquaculture practices, he has made significant contributions to the development of aquaculture in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions. His work emphasizes the sustainable management of aquatic resources and the conservation of endemic fish species while enhancing the productivity of aquaculture systems.
Dr. Subhendu Kumar Otta, Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biotechnology. With extensive experience in disease diagnosis, pathogen characterization, and health management, he has made significant contributions to enhancing the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems, particularly in brackishwater environments.
Prof. Felix Sugantham is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his significant contributions to aquaculture and fisheries science. With expertise in aquaculture management, aquatic animal health, and sustainable farming practices, he has been a driving force in advancing aquaculture technologies and practices that support productivity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Thitiwan Patanasatienkul, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health, with significant contributions to global aquaculture. Her work focuses on advancing health management practices, disease prevention, and biosecurity in aquaculture systems to support sustainable production and trade in aquatic products.
Dr. P. Jayagopal, Deputy Director at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), is a respected figure in aquaculture and seafood export development. With extensive experience in aquaculture management and policy implementation, he has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and enhancing India’s seafood export potential. His expertise spans areas such as aquaculture certification, disease management, and capacity building for stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. Sumithra T.G., Scientist at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is an expert in microbiology with over a decade of experience, specializing in fish health and marine pathogen research. Since 2016, she has focused on characterizing pathogens and developing aquatic health management strategies to enhance mariculture production. Her work includes detailed profiling of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens causing mortalities in cultured marine fishes, contributing valuable insights to the aquaculture sector through publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Padma Shri Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta is a globally renowned scientist celebrated for his transformative contributions to aquaculture and rural development. Often referred to as the “Father of Blue Revolution,” his pioneering work has revolutionized aquaculture practices, particularly in developing countries, by making fish farming accessible to resource-poor farmers. Dr. Gupta’s innovations in low-cost aquaculture technologies have significantly enhanced food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for millions.
Dr. Subhashini C.R., Director of Aristogene Biosciences, is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology with significant contributions to aquaculture health management. With expertise in molecular diagnostics and aquatic disease research, she has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions to address health challenges in aquaculture systems. Her work focuses on creating advanced diagnostic tools and health management products that enhance the sustainability and productivity of the aquaculture industry.
Dr. Pawan Dhar, is a renowned expert in synthetic biology and systems biology, with emerging contributions to aquaculture biotechnology. With a diverse scientific background, Dr. Dhar’s work emphasizes leveraging synthetic biology to address challenges in sustainable aquaculture and aquatic resource management.
Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, is a distinguished scientist whose contributions have significantly advanced marine fisheries and aquaculture research in India. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Gopalakrishnan played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable marine resource management, species diversification, and the development of mariculture technologies. Under his leadership, ICAR-CMFRI made remarkable strides in areas such as open-sea cage farming, marine biodiversity conservation, and stock enhancement programs.
Dr. S. R. Krupesha Sharma, a Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is a distinguished expert in marine aquaculture and sustainable mariculture practices. With extensive experience in developing innovative technologies and farming systems, his work has significantly advanced India’s marine aquaculture sector, particularly in the production of high-value species. Dr. Sharma specializes in seed production, grow-out culture, and the development of sustainable farming methods for finfish, shellfish, and seaweed, contributing to enhanced productivity and profitability for coastal communities.
Dr. P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist in the Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), is a leading expert in aquatic animal health and disease management. His work has significantly contributed to the sustainability and productivity of brackishwater aquaculture in India, focusing on health management strategies for farmed shrimp and fish species. Dr. Patil’s research addresses critical challenges such as disease outbreaks, biosecurity, and the environmental impact of aquaculture practices.
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.