Algae & Fungi   |   Genome Editing   |   Bio-Engineering

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Summer Workshop

MBBE/BIOL 401Lab Molecular
Biotechnology Lab-Gene
Editing CRISPR/Cas9

Novel non-transgenic genome editing technologies, CRISPR/Cas RNP (ribonucleoprotein) with gene gun/particle bombardment methods

Registration Deadline: July 1, 2024

Announcements:

Featured in Hawaii News Now

Zhi-Yan (Rock) Du, Assistant Professor, from CTAHRʻs Molecular Biosciences & Bioengineering Department collaborates with Richard & Millie Chan (FDM Alumna), who own Adela’a Country Eatery in Kaneohe, to develop delicious and healthy food with algae.

UH secures $149K to use CRISPR technology for food preservation

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has received $149,000 from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to explore how CRISPR technology could expand the shelf life of Hawaiʻi’s food imports.

Our Focus

  • Using engineering and synthetic approaches to produce valuable bio-products in microalgae and fungi
  • Establishing co-production systems with the alga-fungus synthetic consortia
  • Investigating the mechanism of symbiosis/mutualism between photosynthetic and microorganisms for improving agricultural traits and understanding their significance to the ecology and evolution
  • Studying lipid metabolism in photosynthetic and microorganisms, particularly on the development and stress tolerance and response
  • Improving traits of tropical crops by novel marker-free gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR systems

Algae & Fungi

Explore the captivating world of mutualistic interactions between algae and fungi, as a groundbreaking research article reveals a unique symbiotic relationship. This article provides an insightful summary of a study published in eLife, uncovering an extraordinary algal-fungal interaction that challenges conventional understanding. Dive into this remarkable research to gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of symbiotic relationships in nature.

Genome Editing

Our lab is at the forefront of genome editing research, using state-of-the-art techniques to explore the potential of this exciting field. With a focus on developing new therapies for genetic diseases, we investigate the mechanisms of genome editing and seek to improve its precision and efficiency. Through our work, we hope to contribute to the development of safe, effective treatments for a wide range of illnesses. 

Bio-Engineering

We research the application of engineering principles to biological systems and focus on enhancing biomass productivity, the rate at which biological material is generated, and developing efficient biomass harvesting techniques. Through genetic modification, synthetic biology, and bioprocess engineering, bioengineers aim to optimize the growth, yield, and quality of biomass for various applications, including biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable agriculture.

nā hanana o kēia manawa

(current events)

Lab Microscopy Facility

Our cutting-edge lab microscopy facility is tailored for CTAHR and University of Hawai’i students to explore with state-of-the-art equipment and expert guidance, revolutionizing your research

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AlgalBBB 2023

The International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBBB) took place June 12-14 2023, at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, Hawaii. AlgalBBB 2023 serves as

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Undergraduate Showcase
Undergraduate Lana Mitchell (right) presenting her research poster at Undergraduate Showcase of Research and Creative Projects at UH Mānoa with her mentor Julia Yuson (left)
Program Details
2023 Molecular Wildlife & Ecology Grant Recipient
Congratulations to Dr. Zhi-Yan (Rock) Du, and other researchers for their exceptional contributions to preserving biodiversity. Zymo Research celebrates their dedication and impactful work.
Details Here
CRISPR Comes to UH
CTAHR News
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Genetic editing tech CRISPR comes to UH, gets $149K boost
University of Hawai'i News
Click Here
Dr. Christoph Benning
Speaks at MBBE, University of Hawai'i at Manoa
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