Advances in Algae Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the multifaceted world of alga molecular biology and biotechnology. With their diverse forms and unparalleled adaptability, these organisms hold immense promise as a solution for some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Interest in algae is continuously increasing, driven by a growing recognition of their pivotal role as model organisms for molecular studies due to their amenability to genetic manipulation and experimental techniques, their remarkable potential as sustainable resources and their versatility in various industrial applications. Algal extracts and metabolites (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, pigments, polyphenols) are screened for their therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer activities. Molecular studies elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of by-products and bioactive compounds, facilitating their production and optimization for different application fields, enabling the identification of target proteins and mechanisms of action, and aiding in drug discovery efforts. Algae produce fluorescent proteins, enzymes and other biomolecules that serve as valuable tools in molecular biology research.

Molecular techniques such as gene editing, RNA interference and protein expression can be applied in algae to investigate gene function and manipulate algae metabolic processes and genomes, for creating disease models (neurodegeneration, cancer, infections) and assessing drug efficacy and toxicity.

From biofuels to pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment to carbon sequestration, algae offer a treasure trove of opportunities for addressing critical issues ranging from energy security to environmental sustainability. Examples include the understanding of the molecular basis of carbon fixation, which is essential for elucidating the role of algae in mitigating climate change and for biotechnological applications such as biofuel production.

The overall importance of algae in molecular biology sensu lato lies in their contributions to fundamental research, biotechnological innovation, drug discovery, and the development of biological tools and technologies. As our understanding of algal biology continues to grow, so will their potential applications in these fields.

This Special Issue will serve as a platform for researchers to explore the latest advances and trends relating to the algal world. The topics of this issue will span a wide spectrum of themes, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Methods to study the molecular basis of algae biology;
• Molecular studies applied to taxonomy, phylogenesis and the evolution of algae;
• Molecular mechanisms underlying algal physiology and metabolisml
• Ecological interactions and ecosystem services provided by algae;
• Molecular processes underlying bioremediation and wastewater treatment by algae;
• Algal by-products (food, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals);
• Biotechnological innovations for sustainable development.

Through the collective efforts of researchers and innovators across disciplines, we aim to illuminate the frontiers of alga molecular biology and biotechnology, inspiring new ideas, collaborations and pathways for harnessing the potential of these extraordinary organisms.

Dr. Paolo Gualtieri
Dr. Laura Barsanti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• molecular techniques
• microscopy
• microspectrophotometry
• molecular biology and phylogenetics
• processing and pattern recognition in alga images
• molecular processes in photoreception
• nutraceuticals and functional food production
• toxicity
• bioremediation
• industrial exploitation
• health care importance
• environmental sustainability