Dept. Biological Sciences, Macquarie University , Sydney , NSW 2109.

Phone: (02) 9850 8205

Fax: (02) 9850 8245

gewislon@bio.mq.edu.au

 

 

My project investigates the relatively unexplored bioresources produced by marine bacteria. Marine bacteria are abundant in all marine environments. They have been discovered in seawater, the sediment, and on the substratum of both living on non-living surfaces. Marine bacteria synthesize a diverse array of novel products that are of interest in biotechnology. Examples include antimicrobial molecules, luminescent molecules and proteins that degrade organic matter.

My research will focus on isolating novel products synthesized by marine bacteria attached to the substratum of both marine invertebrates and non-living substrates. Characterization of cultured bacterial strains has been undertaken by microscopy and DNA sequencing. Once characterized, bacterial isolated will be screened for the presence of novel products, primarily antimicrobial agents. Products that have potential biotechnological applications will be characterized using a broad range of techniques including liquid chromatography and proteomics. The aim is to identify products that can be utilized in the biotechnology field.

 

	Heliocidaris erythrogramma