Priscilla Zwiercheczewski

Photoheterotrophy is a fascinating metabolism in which purple bacteria (PB) grows using light as an energy source while obtaining carbon and electrons from various organic sources. Possessing a complex substrate preference that arises from their ability to use a wide range of substrates (carbohydrates, alcohols, or volatile fatty acids). Understanding the mechanisms behind their photoheterotrophic metabolism is crucial in unrevealing PB based biotechnological potential. These bacteria are currently highly studied for the development of resource recovery strategies, especially their capacity to upcycle various carbon sources from waste or by-products streams. Also, evidences are showing that PB have interesting lipid fraction containing healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. This unexplored fraction is the main goal of this project, as the bioactive component is important to human health. Deciphering PB metabolism will contribute to achieve the target molecules.