DEB | Master’s thesis opportunity: Antarctic microfungi and Bioremediation

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Antarctic Microfungi

We inform our students that a Master’s thesis opportunity is available, focused on the study of Antarctic microfungi isolated from fuel-contaminated surfaces of storage sites and operational infrastructures (fuel pumps, vehicle tanks, and logistical areas).

Project aim:
The project aims to isolate and characterize fungi capable of degrading hydrocarbons at low temperatures, even in an extreme and highly protected environment such as Antarctica. These microorganisms represent unique models for understanding cold-adaptation mechanisms and for developing sustainable bioremediation strategies in polar environments.

The thesis work will include:
• isolation and maintenance in culture of Antarctic microfungi;

• assessment of metabolic capabilities through culture-based assays;

• investigation of the degradation of complex hydrocarbon mixtures (spent engine oil, gasoline, diesel);

• molecular characterization through genome and transcriptome sequencing under different experimental conditions (e.g. exposure to different hydrocarbons);

• comparison of genetic and functional profiles with related strains isolated from non-contaminated environments.

Why choose this thesis?
This thesis will offer a highly interdisciplinary research experience, integrating microbiology, microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, and genomics, with the opportunity to work on unique samples from one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

For information and applications:
Prof. Laura Zucconi – zucconi@unitus.it