Cyanolab AUTH

27/01/2026

We are excited to share the publication of a new article in SynBio (MDPI), presenting the scientific foundations of the Euphoresis project — originally developed by the Thessaloniki 2023 team at Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης (AUTH)!
Euphoresis is a synthetic biology-based soil restoration system aimed at supporting the regeneration of forest ecosystems affected by wildfires. It integrates a biodegradable hydrogel matrix (pectin/chitosan-based) with an engineered microbial consortium, enhancing soil water retention and nutrient availability, thereby promoting ecological recovery in post-fire landscapes.

What began as a student-driven idea in the iGEM competition has now matured into a peer-reviewed scientific contribution, demonstrating how educational initiatives in synthetic biology can generate research with real-world environmental relevance.
This work exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, spanning synthetic biology, microbiology, environmental science, materials science, and engineering. It also reflects the strong support provided by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, faculty mentors, and laboratory infrastructure in fostering student research excellence.
Congratulations to the team: Markos Mathioudakis Rafail Andreou Angeliki Maria Papapanou Artemis Savva Asimenia Ioannidou Nefeli Makri Stefanos Anagnostopoulos Thetis Tsinoglou Ioanna Gerogianni Angeliki Savvopoulou Panagiota Baka Nicky Efstathiou Soultana Delizisi Michaela Ververi!
Congrats go also to the Instructors Christos Giannakopoulos and Ioanna Koumentakou.
My warmest gratitude to my colleagues Rigini Papi (Chemistry AUTH) and Michalis Aivaliotis (Medicine AUTH, Leader in the iGEM Thessaloniki2023 project).

Last but not least, this work would never have been accomplished without the support of Special Account for Research Funds AUTH - and the former Vice-rector for Research and Lifelong Learning Stratos Stylianidis as well as the former Dean of the and the Faculty of Health Sciences Theodoros Dardavesis!

📣 Read the paper and celebrate with us:
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dPekUyX3

Here’s to student ingenuity, interdisciplinary research, and science with impact! 🚀🌿

03/04/2025

Congratulations to the new Biologists Stavroula Kampantai and Evi Foutsitzi and the new MSc Sofοklis Keisaris! Cyanolab was happy and proud to have you on board for your nice theses!

10/01/2025

WOW we got abstracts from over 40 countries. ICTC13 is going to be really exciting!
REMINDER: This is the last day to submit your abstract and join us to a BIG toxic cyanobacteria conference!

WOW we got abstracts from over 40 countries. ICTC13 is going to be really exciting!

REMINDER: This is the last day to submit your abstract and join us to a BIG toxic cyanobacteria conference!

More info at: https://ictc13.gr/abstracts/

30/12/2024

- 7 new publications in SCI journals
- >10 presentations in national and international conferences
- a new COST action
- the first ICTC to be organized in Greece (see )
- 2 new post-doctoral collaborators
- a new PhD starting
- new projects starting

This has been another exciting year for Cyanolab AUTH! Many many thanks to all the collaborators. Here's to the next to come! Believe and support science. Encourage the new scientists who work hard for a better future. Happy new year to everyone!!!

16/12/2024

Cyanolab is excited to participate in the upcoming !

Don't forget to submit your abstracts by December 20th, 2024!

Also check out registration and accommodation, our really cool workshop and apply for a grant!
More at: https://ictc13.gr/

Dear all,

as the ICTC13 deadline is approaching we are truly excited to see more and more abstracts submitted!

Don't forget to submit your abstracts by December 20th, 2024!

Also check out registration and accommodation, our really cool workshop and apply for a grant!

More at: https://ictc13.gr/

03/10/2024

Cyanolab next generation presenting their works in the 18th Conference of the Helenic Botanical Society!

18/09/2024

Fresh from the press! The last paper that concludes our work with Pilous project.
Here we assess the impact of illumination, salinity, and nitrogen supply, each tested at three different levels in five Dunaliella species isolated from Greek solar saltworks.

The article is Open Access and you can find it in the link:

https://ejournals.lib.auth.gr/jbiolres/article/view/9952

05/07/2024

Cyanolab is extremely happy to be part of the international consortium INCb (International Network of CyanoBionts)! The first publication "The underestimated fraction: diversity, challenges and
novel insights into unicellular cyanobionts of lichens" was just published in Society for Microbial Ecology -ISME communications journal.

An exciting journey has already started!

The article is open access and you can find it here: https://academic.oup.com/ismecommun/article/4/1/ycae069/7665615?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2AJPpEs1WM7qMahq6wMaHFxnyUU0_vgXrRONEdMlXj0I04r3sx-uXAMas_aem_b5McN6fpz-wmNZVd6wP-Yw&login=true

Abstract. Lichens are remarkable and classic examples of symbiotic organisms that have fascinated scientists for centuries. Yet, it has only been for a cou

22/02/2024

The website is ready, the social are ready! Brace yourself, the ICTC13 is taking off! Cyanolab AUTH is proud to be a part of it!

Go like our page and stay tuned!!

Get ready for a thrilling journey into the fascinating world of toxic cyanobacteria at the International Conference on Toxic Cyanobacteria (ICTC13)! Mark your calendars for 4-8 May 2025, as we’re about to dive deep into the captivating realm of these mysterious organisms in the breathtaking settin...

04/01/2024

Just Released! 📄💥

Our latest paper on Nostocales sheds light on the evolution and relationships within this diverse group of Cyanobacteria.

Through meticulous phylogenetic analysis,using not one, but two new molecular markers, we've unlocked a deeper understanding of Nostocales' evolutionary paths, offering invaluable insights into their nitrogen-fixing capabilities and their ecological significance. 🧪🔬👨‍💻

14/06/2023

Congratulations to our MSc student Themis Parisis for presenting his thesis "Genomic analysis of cyanobacteria associated with marine sponges". Marine cyanobacteria have many more surprises, so stay tuned!