RESEARCH GROUP
Biotechnology of Extremophiles Lab 

Research Interests

BIOTEX´s research focuses on the study and development of biotechnological applications, up to pilot scale, of new species of photosynthetic (and some non-photosynthetic) microorganisms, particularly those that proliferate in extreme environments. Research includes isolation of microorganisms from extreme environments, identification and phylogenetic approach using molecular biology techniques, analysis of biotechnological potential with emphasis on accumulation enhancement of metabolites and polymers that are valuable to human and animal health, oriented-design and construction of photobioreactors for production of photosynthetic microorganisms and their valuable molecules, and production scale up.

FUNDING

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

List of publications in indexed journals (2021-2024).

An extremely acidic environment microalga from Tinto River as a novel source of anti-inflammatory activity. Submitted to Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, M. Robles, C. S.B. Viegas, R. Torronteras, I. Garbayo, D. C. Simes, J. M. Vega, C. Vílchez, Elsevier, 2025

Use of photosynthetic MICP to induce calcium carbonate precipitation: Prospecting the role of the microorganism in the formation of CaCO3 crystals, H. Zúñiga-Barra, C. Ostojic, A. Torres-Aravena, M. Rivas, C. Vílchez, D. Jeison, Algal Research 80: 103499, 2024. DOI: org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103499

Mixotrophic growth of a highly acidic habitat microalga for production of valuable fatty acids, M. Robles, C. Ostojic, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, M. Cuaresma, C. Gonzalo, V. Obregón, J. L. Fuentes, A. Bartolomé, C. Vílchez, J. Appl. Phycol., 2024, 36, 2489-24502. DOI: org/10.1007/s10811-024-03255-5

Methylmercury Effect and Distribution in Two Extremophile Microalgae Strains Dunaliella salina and Coccomyxa onubensis from Andalusia (Spain), S. Simansky, J. Holub, I. Márová , M. Cuaresma, I. Garbayo, R. Torronteras, C. Vílchez, Z. Gojkovic, Microorganisms, 2024, 12, 434. DOI: org/10.3390/microorganisms12030434

Fe (III)-Mediated Antioxidant Response of the Acidotolerant Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis, M. Robles M, R. Torronteras, C. Ostojic, C. Oria, M. Cuaresma, I. Garbayo , F. Navarro, C. Vílchez, Antioxidants, 2023, 12, 610. DOI: org/10.3390/antiox12030610

Extraction of valuable compounds from granadilla (Passiflora ligularis, Juss) peel using pressurized fluids technologies, R. Vardanega, F. Salinas-Fuentes, J. Palma-Ramírez, W. Bugueño-Muñoz, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2023, 34, 101135. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2023.101135

Interaction of  naturally occurring phytoplankton with the biochemical cycling of mercury in aquatic environments and its effects on global Hg pollution and public health, Z. Gojkovic, S. Simansky, A. Sanabria, I. Marova, I. Garbayo, C. Vílchez, Microorganisms, 2023, 11, 2034. DOI: org/10.3390/microorganisms11082034

Composition of microalgae produced using different types of water and nutrient sources, S. Villaró-Cos, M. Cuaresma, M. García-Vaquero, L. Morán, F. J. Alarcón, T. Lafarga, Algal Research, 2023, 78, 103394. DOI: org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103394

Valorization of granadilla waste (Passiflora ligularis, Juss.) by sequential green extraction processes based on pressurized fluids to obtain bioactive compounds, R. Vardanega, F. Salinas-Fuentes, J. Palma-Ramírez , W. Bugueño-Muñoz, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 2023, 194, 105833. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2022.105833

Ultrasound-Based Recovery of Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Extracts of the Acidophilic Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, M. Robles, L. Martín, Á. Beltrán, R. Gava, M. Cuaresma, F. Navarro, C. Vílchez, Marine Drugs, 2023, 21, 471. DOI: org/10.3390/md21090471

Evaluation of the antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of the seaweed Durvillaea antarctica (Cochayuyo) extracts using pressurized liquids, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, J. A. Mendiola, J. D. Sánchez-Martínez, M.  Bueno, P.  Cerezal, E. Ibáñez, Journal of Applied Phycology, 2023, 35 (2), 835-847. DOI: org/10.1007/s10811-022-02901-0

Physical-chemical characteristics of “Red Meal”, a novel non-defatted additive in the fish feed from cracked biomass of Haematococcus pluvialis, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, C. Espinosa-Álvarez, M. Jáuregui-Tirado, C. Jaime-Matus, J. Palma-Ramírez, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2022, 285, 115247. DOI: org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115247

Effect of low-frequency ultrasound on disaggregation, growth and viability of an extremotolerant cyanobacterium, M. Robles, I. Garbayo, J. Wierzchos, C. Vílchez, M. Cuaresma, J. Appl. Phycol.,  2022, 34, 2895–2904. DOI: org/10.1007/s10811-022-02831-x

Methodological Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Valuable Bioactive Compounds from the Acidophilic Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, E. Medina, F. Salinas, W. Bugueño, J. L. Fuentes, C. Vílchez, I. Garbayo, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, Antioxidants, 2022, 11, 1248. DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071248

Microalga Isochrysis galbana biorefinery: obtaining of fucoxanthin and biogas after supercritical fluid extraction, M. C. Ruiz Domínguez, B. Rincón, M. A. Martin, M. C. Gutiérrez, F. Salinas, E. Medina, P. Cerezal, Journal of Applied Phycology, 2022, 34, 1997-2014. DOI: 10.1007/s10811-022-02768-1

Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Fucoxanthin from the Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Biogas Production through Anaerobic Digestion, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, F. Salinas, E. Medina, B. Rincón, M. A. Martín, M. C. Gutiérrez, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, Marine Drugs, 2022, 20, 127. DOI: 10.3390/md20020127

Effect of pH Change on the Microalgae-Based Biogas Upgrading Process, L. Meier, C. Vilchez, M. Cuaresma, Á. Torres-Aravena, D. Jeison, Applied Sciences, 2022, 12(23), 12194, DOI: org/10.3390/app122312194

Haloferax mediterranei Cells as C50 Carotenoid Factories, M. Giani, Z. Montero-Lobato, I. Garbayo, C. Vílchez, J. M. Vega, R. María Martínez-Espinosa, Marine Drugs, 2021, 19, paper 100

Improvements in the cultivation of Botryococcus braunii using commercial fertilizers, E. Bermejo, C. González, Z. Montero-Lobato, C. Vílchez, I. Garbayo, M. Cuaresma, Journal of Applied Phycology, 2021, 33, 1939–1948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-021-02486-0

Biodegradation of a Complex Phenolic Industrial Stream by Bacterial Strains Isolated from Industrial Wastewaters, A. Bartolomé, G. Rodríguez-Moro, J. L. Fuentes, M. Lopes, J. Frontela, J. Lázaro, M. Cuaresma, J. L. Gómez-Ariza, T. García-Barrera, C. Vílchez, Processes, 2021, 9, 1964. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9111964

Variability of Omega-3/6 Fatty Acid Obtained Through Extraction-Transesterification Processes from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, M. C. Ruiz-Dominguez, C. Toledo, D. Órdenes, C. Vílchez, P. Ardiles, J. Palma, P. Cerezal, Acta Chimica Slovenica, 2021, 68, 629-637. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34897541

Haloarchaea: A Promising Biosource for Carotenoid Production, M. Rodrigo-Baño, Z. Montero, J. Torregrosa-Crespo, I. Garbayo, C. Vílchez, R. M. Martínez-Espinosa, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2021, 1261, 165-174. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7360-6_13

Bioprospecting of cyanobacterium in Chilean coastal desert, Geitlerinema sp. molecular identification and pressurized liquid extraction of bioactive compounds, M. C. Ruiz-Domínguez, J. L. Fuentes, J. A. Mendiola, P. Cerezal-Mezquita, J. Morales, C. Vílchez, E. Ibáñez, Food and Bioproducts Processing, 2021, 128, 227-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbp.2021.06.001

MEMBERS

Carlos Vílchez Lobato
Professor of Biochemistry
+34 959 218442 / 9947
cvilchez@uhu.es

Degree in Chemistry – Universidad de Sevilla (1988)
Ph. D. Degree in Chemistry (Advisor: Prof. José M. Vega) – Universidad de Sevilla (1992)
Predoctoral Research Stay – Wageningen University, The Netherlands (10/1991 – 01/1992)
Profesor Asociado – Universidad de Huelva (from 1993)
Research Stay – ITC, Perugia, Italy (06/1998 – 09/1998)
Research Stay – Wageningen University, Bioprocess, The Netherlands (09/1999 – 05/2000)
Research Stay – Université PJV, Genie Cellulaire, Amiens (France) (09/2000-12/2000)
Profesor Titular de Universidad – (07/2002 – 09/2016)
Catedrático de Universidad – (from 09/2016)

Inés Garbayo Nores
Professor of Biocemistry
+34 959 219953
garbayo@uhu.es

Degree in Pharmacy – Universidad de Sevilla (1991)
Ph. D. Degree in Chemistry – (Advisor: Prof. C. Vílchez) Universidad de Huelva (1999)
Post-Doctoral Researcher – Université de Picardie Jules Verne (France) (2000 – 2002)
Profesora Asociada – Universidad de Huelva (2003)
Profesora Ayudante – Universidad de Huelva (2003-2006)
Profesora Contratado Doctor – Universidad de Huelva (2006-2010)
Research Stay – Université Lille II, France (2005, 3 months)
Profesora Titular de Universidad – (2010-2023)
Catedrática de Universidad – (from 2023)

María Cuaresma Franco
Lecturer of Biochemistry
+34 959 217773 / 9960
maria.cuaresma@dqcm.uhu.es

Degree in Environmental  Sciences – Universidad de Huelva (2003)
Ph. D. Degree in Bioprocess Engineering (Advisors: Prof. René H. Wijffels, Prof. Carlos Vílchez, Lecturer Marcel Janssen) – Universidad de Wageningen, The Netherlands (2011). PhD Degree in Environmental Sciences – Universidad de Huelva, 2012
Predoctoral Research Stays – Wageningen University, The Netherlands (03/2007-06/2007; 09/2008-12/2008; 09/2010-12/2010)
Postdoctoral Research Stay – Wageningen University, The Netherlands (02/2011 – 12/2012)
“Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación” Researcher – Universidad de Huelva (06/2017 – 02/2020)
“Ramón y Cajal” Researcher – Universidad de Huelva (03/2023-02/2028)
Profesora Contratada Doctora – Universidad de Huelva (from 03/2024)

María del Carmen Ruiz Domínguez
Ramón y Cajal Researcher
+34 959 217765
mcarmen.ruiz@dqcm.uhu.es

Degree in Environmental Sciences  – Universidad de Huelva (2009)
Master in Instrumental Techniques in Chemistry – Universidad de Huelva (2010)
Ph.D. Degree in Environmental Sciences (Advisor: Prof. Carlos Vilchez, Dr. Benito de la Morena) – Universidad de Huelva – INTA (2013)
Postdoctoral Research Stay – University of Antofagasta, Chile (05/2014-08/2017)
Profesora Asociada – University of Antofagasta, Chile (09/2017 – 02/2024)
Research Stay – Campinas, Brazil (10/2018)
Research Stay – CIAL, CSIC (España) (12/2018 – 02/2019)
Research Stay – CIAL, CSIC (España) “Beca Santander” (05/2019 -08/2019)
Research Stay – Universidad de Huelva (España) “Ayudas Maria Zambrano” (01/2023 – 12/2023)
“Ramón y Cajal” Researcher – Universidad de Huelva (España) (from 03/2024

Juan Luis Fuentes Cordero
PostDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
jlfuentes@dqcm.uhu.es
Lucía Benavente Hidalgo
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
lucia.benavente@dqcm.uhu.es
Verónica Beltrán Peguero
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
veronica.beltran@dqcm.uhu.es
Nieves de la Luz García
Research Technician
+34 959 218445
nieves.delaluz234@alu.uhu.es
Laura González Delgado
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218453
laura.gonzalez@sc.uhu.es
Estefanía Macías Fernández
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
estefania.macias@dqcm.uhu.es
Lidia Martín Gordillo
Research Technician
+34 959 218445
lidia.martin@dqcm.uhu.es
Daniel Órdenes Orellana
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
daniel.ordenes@alu.uhu.es
Carol Ostojic
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
carol.ostojic@dqcm.uhu.es
María Robles Garrido
PreDoctoral Researcher
+34 959 218445
maria.robles@dqcm.uhu.es
Raluca Basilica Besliu
Research Technician
+34 959 218445
raluca.besliu@dqcm.uhu.es
Jorge Moisés Zegarra Berra
Research Engineer (Ad Astra ehf collaborator)
+34 959 218445
jorge.zegarra@adastra.is