In this workshop, participants will (1) learn about the rich biodiversity of saltwater lagoons and (2) study the most relevant adaptations and biomolecules produced by these microorganisms and how they can help our planet.

In this workshop, participants will (1) learn about the rich biodiversity of saltwater lagoons and (2) study the most relevant adaptations and biomolecules produced by these microorganisms and how they can help our planet.

The workshop will comprise the following activities:

• Introduction to extreme environments, mainly through the example of the saltwater lagoons in Alicante province and their biodiversity.
• Experiment to show how microorganisms from these environments can help us measure the toxicity of several compounds. In the experiment, we will use toxic compounds found in everyday life together with the non-pathogenic microorganism Haloferax mediterranei.
• Antibiotic susceptibility test to study the toxicity of these toxic compounds.
• Study of the production of biomolecules of particular interest to the medical or pharmaceutical industries. The biomolecules will be extracted using laboratory techniques.

The workshop will be similar to an escape room. All participants will have to accomplish a series of tasks and deliver codes to the researchers in charge of the workshop in order to successfully complete the activity (either individually or in groups of 3-4 members). The workshop is open to participants of all ages.

Organised by: Guillermo Martínez Martínez, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante

Date: 30/09/2022

Place: University of Alicante – San Vicente del Raspeig Campus