About the Program
This five-day workshop on Algal Biotechnology and Its Applications is designed to provide hands-on exposure to the complete pipeline of working with microalgae from environmental sampling and culture techniques to high-value product development. The program blends wet-lab activities with industrial demonstrations including biofuel, bioplastic, bioremediation, and food/nutraceutical applications. It offers real-time training for students and researchers interested in algae-based sustainable technologies and innovations. The last two-days focuses on the harnessing hr bioactive compounds from algal sources and utilizing it them for computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). CADD encompasses a variety of methods, including molecular docking, ADMET, Interpretation of the results, Visualization and analysis. The main aim of this Training is to equip all the participants with the basic to advanced level and complete the research projects on their own without requiring any outside help, which will be helpful in landing a bioinformatics analyst job role. The workshop will be held in Acharya Institute of Technology Bengaluru by the Dept. of Biotechnology.
Objectives of the Program
- To introduce participants to field and laboratory techniques in freshwater algal biotechnology.
- To provide hands-on training in isolation and axenic culture preparation of algae.
- To demonstrate methods of algal biomass cultivation, harvesting, and scale-up.
- To teach participants the use of algae for wastewater bioremediation.
- To guide the preparation of Single Cell Protein (SCP) food products from algal biomass.
- To demonstrate pigment extraction, biofuel production, and bioplastic preparation using cultivated algal strains.
- To offer computational training in metabolite identification, drug discovery pipelines, and molecular docking using algae-based bioactive compounds.
Expected Outcomes of the Program
- Participants will gain hands-on experience in both wet-lab and dry-lab aspects of algal biotechnology.
- Learners will understand the complete workflow of culturing, processing, and utilizing algae for sustainable applications.
- Trainees will develop skills in preparing value-added products like SCP-based foods, natural pigments, biodiesel, and bioplastics.
- Participants will acquire basic to intermediate skills in bioinformatics, including metabolite filtering, structure retrieval, and docking simulations for drug discovery.
- Overall, the workshop aims to build industry-ready skills and spark research interest in sustainable algal technologies.
Target Audience: UG / PG/ Ph.D Life science Students
Committee Members
- Shri B M Reddy, President, JMJ Education Society.
- Shri B. Premnath Reddy, Chairman, Acharya Institutes.
- Smt. Shalini Reddy, Executive Director, Acharya Institutes.
- Shri Krishna Basani Reddy, Managing Director, Acharya Institutes.
- Dr. Marigowda C K, Principal of AIT, Bengaluru
- Dr. Shilpa Sivashankar
- Dr. Yuvaraj Ravikumar
Resource Persons Details
Dr. Lavanyasri Rathinavel
Designation: Founder & Managing Director,
Aspire Tech Park Biotech Researcher,
Innovation Strategist,
Academic Entrepreneur
Dr. Yuvaraj Ravikumar
Designation: Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, AIT
Workshop Schedule
- Freshwater sample collection and identification of microalgae
- Preparation of selective media for microalgal culture
- Isolation techniques for axenic cultures from collected samples
- Culture rack setup and incubation conditions (light, temperature, aeration)
- Introduction to biofuel applications of algae
- Bligh and Dyer lipid extraction method demonstration
- Pre-setup for bioplastic development using algal biomass
- Bioremediation experiments using wastewater and textile dye pollutants
Hands-On and Demo
Session 1 (9:15 AM – 10:30 PM): Lecture
- Water sample collection from freshwater sources
- Identification of microalgal strains under microscope
Session 2 (10.30 AM – 1:00 PM): Lecture
- Media preparation for freshwater algae
- Isolation of microalgal strains using plating/streaking methods
Session 3 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Culture rack setup and incubation parameters (light, temp, pH)
- Introduction to algal-based biofuel applications
- Demonstration of Bligh and Dyer lipid extraction method
Session 4 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Culture rack setup and incubation parameters (light, temp, pH)
- Introduction to algal-based biofuel applications
- Demonstration of Bligh and Dyer lipid extraction method
- Monitoring growth kinetics and morphological characteristics of algae
- Microscopy-based assessment of algal health and purity
- Pigment extraction and quantification from algal biomass
- Execution of biodiesel production via transesterification
- Efficiency analysis of algal bioremediation systems (before/after comparison)
Hands-On and Demo
Session 1 (9:15 AM – 10:30 PM): Lecture
- Growth kinetics measurement of algae (optical density/biomass estimation)
- Morphological growth observation under microscope
Session 2 (10.30 AM – 1:00 PM): Lecture
- Pigment extraction and quantification using spectrophotometry
Session 3 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Transesterification process for algal biodiesel conversion
- Estimation of bioremediation efficiency using pre/post-setup analysis
Session 4 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Visual comparison and recording of treatment effectiveness
- Algae in functional foods and nutraceuticals – live demonstration
- Upscaling methods for biomass cultivation
- Techniques for microalgal harvesting (flocculation, centrifugation, filtration)
- Preparation of biostimulants and testing for plant compatibility/toxicity
- Evaluation of final outputs: biodiesel, bioplastics, and remediation effectiveness
- Establishing pure cultures from previously incubated samples
- Final reflections: sustainability goals and real-world applications
Hands-On and Demo
Session 1 (9:15 AM – 10:30 PM): Lecture
- Applications of algae in functional foods and nutraceuticals demonstration
- Biomass cultivation strategies for microalgae
Session 2 (10.30 AM – 1:00 PM): Lecture
- Harvesting techniques – flocculation, centrifugation, filtration methods
Session 3 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Biostimulant preparation from algal biomassSimple toxicity testing and safety validation
- Result analysis: insights from biodiesel, bioplastic, and remediation outputs
Session 4 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Preparation of pure axenic culture from incubated stock
- Summary discussion: future scope and alignment with UN SDG Goals
- Algae in functional foods and nutraceuticals – live demonstration
- Upscaling methods for biomass cultivation
- Techniques for microalgal harvesting (flocculation, centrifugation, filtration)
- Preparation of biostimulants and testing for plant compatibility/toxicity
- Evaluation of final outputs: biodiesel, bioplastics, and remediation effectiveness
- Establishing pure cultures from previously incubated samples
- Final reflections: sustainability goals and real-world applications
1.Basics of Molecular Docking:
Session 1 (9:15 AM – 10:30 PM): Lecture
1. Basics of Molecular Docking
- An overview of the docking process and its significance in drug discovery.
- Explanation of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity.
2. Parameters Used in Docking Studies
- Scoring Functions: Techniques for evaluating the strength of the ligand-receptor interaction, including empirical scoring, knowledge-based scoring, and force field-based scoring.
- Search Algorithms: Methods to explore conformational space, such as genetic algorithms, Monte Carlo methods, and local optimization techniques.
- Binding Sites: Identification and characterization of active sites on the target protein, critical for successful docking
Session 2 (10.30 AM – 1:00 PM): Lecture
3. Introduction to ADMET
- ADMET stands for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity. Participants will be engaged in discussions about the relevance of each type of docking and the parameters used, fostering a deeper understanding of how these elements influence the outcomes of docking studies.
Session 3 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Hands-on-Training
3. Introduction to ADMET
The session will be continued with a focus on the practical application of molecular docking, specifically setting up and running docking simulations for multiple ligand molecules. Participants will learn how to prepare output files for visualization and analysis.
1. Setting Up Docking of Multiple Ligand Molecules:
Docking Protocols
- Overview of strategies for docking multiple ligands simultaneously.
- Discussed the importance of choosing appropriate docking parameters for different ligands to optimize results.
Preparation of Ligands:
- Detailed steps for preparing multiple ligand files, including ensuring consistency in formatting and energy minimization for each ligand.
- Strategies for organizing and managing ligand databases for efficient docking.
Session 4 (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Hands-on-Training
2. Running the Docking Simulations:
Execution of Docking:
- Guided participants through the process of initiating docking simulations using selected software (e.g., Auto Dock Vina).
- Covered settings for binding site selection and other parameters to ensure accurate docking results.
Monitoring Progress:
- Techniques for monitoring the progress of docking runs and troubleshooting common issues that may arise during simulations.
Preparing Output Files for Visualization:
Session 1 (9:15 AM – 10:30 PM): Lecture
Output Analysis:
- Instructions on how to extract and interpret output files generated from docking simulations.
- Discussed the significance of binding affinities and interaction scores in evaluating ligand efficacy.
Session 2 (10.30 AM – 1:00 PM): Hands-on training
Visualization Tools
- Overview of software tools (Chimera) for visualizing docking results.
- Step-by-step guidance on importing output files and visualizing ligand-receptor interactions.
Session 3 (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Hands-on-Training
- Feedback session
- Valedictory function
- Certificate Distribution