Exploring fungal activity in the presence of ionic liquids

ITQB PhD Seminar

Title: Exploring fungal activity in the presence of ionic liquids

Speaker: Marija Petkovic

Laboratory: Applied and Environmental Mycology

Abstract
Ionic liquids are salts that are liquid at, or near, room temperature. They can be, by design, chemically and thermally stable, recyclable, and with tuneable physical and chemical properties, dependant on the choice of cation and anion. Ionic liquids negligible vapour pressure and usual non-flammability are the basis for them sometimes being classified as “green” solvents, but they cannot be a priori accepted as environmentally benign. This constitutes a major ecotoxicological concern.
In this work, Ascomycota fungi are being used as eukaryotic model organisms. These soil microorganisms play a central role in the carbon cycle in earth, own rich enzymatic systems and are able to adapt to extreme environments.
Current results indicate that fungi can tolerate very high concentrations of ionic liquids and that their tolerance depends on their phylogenetic origin. However, the ionic liquids, even those constituted by a benign cation, have dramatically altered fungal metabolism.
In order to advance in so-called risk-conscious design of chemicals, new groups of ionic liquids are being synthesised, and their toxicity and biodegradability potential are being evaluated. Some critical physical and chemical properties are also being pursuit, aiming at potential biotechnological applications.

Short CV

2006. Graduated in Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2007. PhD student in Applied and Environmental Mycology Laboratory under supervision of Dr Cristina Silva Pereira and Prof Luís Paulo Rebelo