Prof. Rakefet Schwarz

Cyanobacteria, formerly termed blue-green algae, are ancient organisms with a profound impact on Earth's history. The ancestors of chloroplasts found in algae and plants, cyanobacteria were the first living cells to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, fundamentally altering our planet's atmosphere and enabling the evolution of all aerobic life forms.

Today, cyanobacteria continue to shape our world. They play a crucial role in global carbon fixation, absorbing a substantial amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, cyanobacteria are being explored as a sustainable source for biofuels, offering a potential alternative to fossil fuels due to their ability to produce high-energy compounds. However, their blooms, particularly the toxic varieties, pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

The laboratory currently researches several facets of cyanobacteria:

Our main focus is on researching Cyanobacterial Biofilms. Understanding the mechanisms behind biofilm formation not only expands our scientific knowledge but also offers practical insights into controlling these formations, especially in industrial settings, which can make production of materials for biofuel and pharmaceuticals faster and cheaper. Our lab studies how cyanobacteria regulate their own biofilm development and identify key genes involved in this process.

In addition to biofilms, we study the role of Membrane Vesicles (MVs), nanoparticles detached from the cell membrane, produced by all living cells for the purpose of cargo delivery and intercellular signaling. Our research focuses on the role of MVs under stress conditions, aiming to uncover their functions and potential applications. MVs hold promise for various biotechnological applications, including drug delivery systems.

In our research endeavors, we utilize a suite of methodologies at the forefront of modern biotechnology. From advanced genetic screens and molecular engineering techniques to high-resolution microscopy and whole-genome sequencing, our lab is paving the way for innovative solutions in biomanufacturing and environmental remediation.