Barbara Saucedo

Abstract Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with microplastics contaminating every environment on the planet, including our food, water, and even our bodies. In response, there is a growing interest in developing plastics that biodegrade naturally, thus avoiding the creation of persistent microplastics.

Abstract The discovery of a new extremophile alga, Chlamydomonas pacifica, provides an opportunity to expand on heterologous protein expression beyond the traditional Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. C. pacifica is a unicellular extremophile capable of surviving at high pH, high temperatures, and high salinity. These various growth conditions allow C. pacifica to outcompete any invading contaminants in open-air environments.

Abstract Bioprospecting algae strains with tolerance to extreme conditions such as pH, temperature, salinity, and light is crucial for advancing biotechnology and environmental applications. However, traditional screening methods often involve significant costs and labor, restricting their accessibility and practical use.