АlgaВioТech is a source of innovative research

The Kazakh-Japanese-Chinese International Research Center AlgaBioTech on the basis of the Department of Biotechnology of the Faculty of biology and biotechnology of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is a leading scientific center aimed at conducting applied research, studying the biotechnological potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria.

Of particular importance is the optimal use of biotechnological capabilities of microalgae and cyanobacteria in solving complex tasks on the way to ensuring environmental sustainability and effective agriculture. In this regard, this center has become a unique research platform in the field of Biotechnology in Kazakhstan and is implementing many important projects aimed at the full use of the biotechnological potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria. In this center, opened in 2025 with the support of the rector of the University Zhanseit Tuimebayev, scientists with many years of experience in the field of biotechnology of phototrophic microorganisms – B. Zayadan, A. Saduakasova, D. Akmukhanova, F. Kudaibergenovna, D. Kirbaeva, K. Bolatkhan, M. Bauenova and doctoral and undergraduates are actively involved in research work and carry out research activities of the center. Also, AlgaBioTech scientists are conducting comprehensive research within the framework of several grant projects funded by the Ministry of Science and higher education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Under the leadership of the head and founder of the AlgaBioTech Center, doctor of biological sciences, professor, academician of the NAS RK Bolatkhan Kazykhanovich, a research project is being implemented to create a biobank of the collection of microalgae and cyanobacteria for use in Applied Research and to study their biotechnological potential. This initiative, which has no analogues in Kazakhstan, will allow preserving the genetic fund of phototrophic microorganisms and their effective use in the field of biotechnology and bio-production. Currently, the center has a collection of microalgae cultures (Sskaznu) created by AlgaBioTech scientists. This collection contains more than 60 strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria isolated from various ecosystems of the Republic of Kazakhstan and introduced from the collections of foreign research centers.

The center under the leadership of candidate of Biological Sciences, acting professor of the Department of Biotechnology Nurziya Akmukhanova, within the framework of the grant project, studies the biotechnological potential of cyanobacteria and microalgae in the decomposition of pesticides, increasing soil fertility, as a result of these studies, a technology is being developed for the extraction, selection and effective use of microalgae and cyanobacteria with biodegradable activity in relation to pesticides for bioremediation of contaminated soils. In addition, several grant projects are being implemented under the guidance of candidate of biological sciences, professor-researcher Asemgul Sadvakasova. Research work is aimed at developing and improving the technology for the production of algobacterial biological preparations that increase the stability of agricultural plants and increase their productivity. Also, under the scientific supervision of PhD, associate professor Fariza Sarsekeeva, a grant project is being implemented to obtain organic biostimulants for agricultural use and plant growth-regulating biostimulants based on cyanobacteria strains. According to Fariza Kudaibergenovna, within the framework of the project, a technology for obtaining organic fertilizer based on cyanobacteria, which stimulates plant growth, and its impact on the composition and activity of soil microorganisms, soil fertility and structure, as well as the stability of soil ecosystems is being studied. Under the leadership of PhD, associate professor Kenzhegul Bolatkhan, scientific research is underway to develop a technology for bioremediation of wastewater contaminated with petroleum products on the basis of algo-cyanobacterial consortia and their use for the production of potential biofuels. This study provides for the restoration of the ecosystem balance of oil-contaminated waters, the selection of microorganisms with high biodegradable capacity and the evaluation of their mutual symbiotic effects. The results obtained make it possible to develop environmentally safe bioenergy technologies and improve effective biotechnological methods of industrial wastewater treatment. Under the scientific supervision of PhD Meruert Omirbaevna, research work is underway to create a scientific and technical basis for the formation of an effective consortium of aquatic plants and microalgae for the purpose of phytoremediation of water, as well as obtaining additional raw materials for the production of biofuels.

The results of the ongoing research will make it possible to introduce environmentally safe technologies in agriculture, increase soil fertility and increase plant productivity. At the same time, the effective use of the biotechnological potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria contributes to reducing the level of environmental pollution and improving the efficiency of bioremediation processes. Young scientists and applicants are actively involved in projects in this direction, mastering modern biotechnological methods and increasing their scientific competence. All this clearly demonstrates the high level of research and international authority of the center.

Among the main international partners of the center are Tokyo Research University, which has a high potential in the field of bioengineering and photobiotechnology, and the Chinese pharmaceutical corporation Kelun, which is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Also, within the framework of international cooperation, AlgaBioTech scientists carry out joint projects with leading research centers, universities in the USA, Japan, China, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Russia and other countries, attach great importance to the exchange of experience and improving knowledge. Such cooperation will improve the quality of scientific research of the center and demonstrate the biotechnological potential of Kazakhstan at the world level.

At the same time, the AlgaBioTech center is becoming an important educational platform for training a new generation of scientists, supporting the participation of young scientists and students in international internships and offering them the opportunity to undergo world scientific practice. Undergraduates and PhD students are given the opportunity to work with advanced technologies and participate in scientific research of high importance. This will strengthen the personnel potential of Kazakhstan in the field of biotechnology and contribute to the formation of the basis for innovative research in the future.

Gulzat

NURMOLDAKYZY