Pauline Rader

Macroalgae are photosynthetic multicellular eukaryotes. They are primary producers in marine ecosystems, where they play a major role. They have various industrial applications and uses. These include use in food and feed ; in human health ; as biostimulants, etc. These numerous uses are mainly due to the carbohydrate compounds of these macroalgae. In terms of composition, they are mainly made up of complex polysaccharides.Unfortunately, the exploitation of these polysaccharides is limited by the lack of suitable tools. Marine bacteria living in contact with these algae and possessing the enzymes needed to break down algal polysaccharides represent a major challenge for the development of blue biotechnologies.

Within this context,  I'm working on the study of bacterial enzymes able to degrade algal matrix polysaccharides. In particular, the aim is to elucidate the degradation pathways of these polysaccharides by biochemically and structurally characterising the enzymes. My thesis project is based on main focuses, cloning, expression and purification of targets, crystallographic characterisation, research into substrates and biochemical characterisation of the obtained products, and transcriptomic studies. I'm carrying out this project as part of a CIFRE program in collaboration with AberActives. The company's aim is to extract value from algal biomass using enzymes in an eco-friendly process.The new enzymes I'm working on will be used by AberActives to incorporate them into their processes and promote the development of blue biotechnologies in Brittany.