Department of Biotechnology

Study place:	Department of Biotechnology, FFBT, VŠCHT Praha
Guaranteeing Departments:	Department of Biotechnology
Study Programme/Specialization:	Biotechnology ( in English language )
Supervisor:	prof. Dr. Ing. Petra Patáková
Expected Form of Study:	Full-time
Expected Method of Funding:	Scholarship + salary

Annotation

Monascus pilosus is a lesser-known species of fungus of the genus Monascus, which is primarily known as a producer of monacolin K. However, the essence of the work will be to study the biosynthesis of polyketide pigments in this species and the possibility of influencing their production not only by cultivation conditions (composition of the culture medium, type of cultivation), but also by other interventions (random mutagenesis, addition of epigenetic regulators). Pigment production will be evaluated not only using chromatographic techniques, but also using the RT-qPCR method. The work will include the separation of the most abundant pigments (e.g., monascuspiloin) using a combination of extraction with various solvents and sorption/elution in suitable materials. The isolated pigments will be used to test antimicrobial properties. The work will also evaluate the potential for food use of this species, which does not produce the mycotoxin citrinin (preparation of fermented foods, use of enzyme and pigment production in the food industry).