Aim & Objective
The Biotechnology program focuses on a crucial aspect of CSD's focus area as it harnesses the unique properties of
the Qatari microbial community such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi. This program focuses on exploring their
biodiversity, efficiency, specificity, and potentiality, addressing several biotechnological applications. The first
target consists of creating a Biobank of extremophiles and halotolerant microorganisms that will be the first of its
kind in Qatar and the region. Simultaneously, a bioprospecting of novel strains with interesting biotechnological
potential will be conducted towards developing biofertilizers, food, feed, bioplastics and more. Furthermore, the
program will have a very interesting research topic dealing with molecular biology towards (i) improving the
potentiality of the microbial strains, genetic engineering, gene editing, heterologous expression, and
overproduction of valuable products and (ii) developing environmental monitoring tools using eDNA and metagenomics
to assess the impact of different anthropogenic factors on marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Additionally, the
team conducts life cycle analysis, techno-economic analysis, and socioeconomic studies to evaluate the effectiveness
of processed bio-based product development.
Program Action Plan
The main target of this program consists of exploring Qatar unique biodiversity towards developing biotechnological
applications to meet Qatar National vision 2030 and Qatar University research priorities. These applications include
the development of:
- Biofertilizers for Saline Soil: Developing biofertilizers with halotolerant bacteria to boost crop growth,
fruits
productivity and quality under saline irrigation using soil and soilless cultivation systems.
- Bioplastics and Eco-Friendly Polymers: Using extremophile archaea to produce biodegradable polymers for
bioplastics.
- Novel antibiotics: Exploring halotolerant bacteria and fungi for new antibiotics to fight antimicrobial
resistance.
- Enhancing Microbes: Genetic engineering to improve microbial strains for better metabolite production.