CSIRO Collection of Living Microalgae (CCLM)

Key to CSIRO's microalgae research is the Collection of Living Microalgae, a culture collection of over 800 strains, including representatives from all classes of marine microalgae, some freshwater microalgae, and unusual marine microheterotrophs.

Biodiversity

The culture collection specialises in the Australian region, with microalgae from tropical to polar waters, as well as microalgae from around the world.

Unique

Many Australian strains are genetically and biochemically different from those found elsewhere.

Strains include:

• nutritionally important microalgae for aquaculture feeds and human health
• microalgal biodiversity for biotechnology
• ecologically significant microalgae including bloom-forming and toxic strains for environmental management
• reference cultures for pigment standards used in oceanography and water quality analyses

Information on individual strains can be obtained from the collection's database.

Information on ordering strains can be obtained from the Microalgae Supply Service

World-class facilities

Housed in world-class microalgal culture facilities, the collection is a resource for investigations into the growth, physiology, taxonomy, biodiversity, chemistry and molecular genetics of microalgae.

Skills:

• isolation and culture of microalgae strains
• bacteria-free culture techniques
• growth optimisation and manipulation
• biomass production
• microalgal taxonomy
• chemical and biochemical analytical capability
• molecular and genetic techniques

Last updated 5/10/05