Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/T/S/2003/00717

Diversity of novel, technologically useful, pigment-producing diatoms in estuaries of South Devon, U.K.

Principal Investigator:: Professor S Belt, University of Plymouth, Sch of Earth Ocean and Environment
Co-Investigator:: Professor B Keely, University of York, Chemistry
Co-Investigator:: Professor S Rowland, University of Plymouth, Sch of Geog Earth & Environ Sciences
Grant held at:: University of Plymouth, Sch of Earth Ocean and Environment

Abstract:: With over 30,000 or more species known, diatoms are one of the major primary producers of estuarine and oceanic environments. Most of these species produce a variety of the well-known chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments but only the so-called 'Navicule bleue' benthic pennate diatom Haslea ostrearia (Simonsen), produces the beautiful and novel blue pigment, marennine. This pigment has found applications in the aquaculture, personal care products industries, while most recently, water soluble extracts containing this pigment have been shown to possess anti-cancer and anti-HIV activity. Since neither the chemical structure of this pigment nor the optimal conditions for its production by diatoms have been established, the main aim of the project is to investigate the structure of this compound using an array of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, together with an investigation into the environmental conditions that control its production in a number of species of the Haslea genus isolated from various rivers and estuaries in the SW UK. The project will also deliver a novel and simple method for pigment extraction and purification, and make the pigment available for further investigation.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £24,341

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs	Total - Equipment
£6,670	£2,071	£6,324	£3,068	£6,208

If you need further help, please read the user guide.