Milada Vítová

Info Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicThis link is disabled., Prague, Czech Republic

Prof. (FH) RNDr. Milada Vítová, PhD, works at the Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences. She studied at Charles’ University and obtained her PhD in molecular and cell biology. She started her research career in SAC, UK and continued at the University of Vienna, Austria. She has 20 years of experience in the research of algal physiology and biotechnology. She leads the group involved in the research of metal metabolism in algae and its environmental aspects. Her scientific fields concern namely: a) metal transport and metabolism in algae, b) cell cycle regulation of algae by external factors, and c) bioremediation, biomining and recycling. She is a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences, Krems, Austria.

1books edited

2chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Milada Vítová

The term microalgae is often used in the algal research community to collectively describe microscopic algae and cyanobacteria. Research of microalgae has expanded enormously, namely because of their significant commercial potential. The thorough knowledge of the physiology of microalgae must precede any commercial exploitation. We have to understand the mechanisms underlying the physiological and biochemical processes in the algal cells. The book Microalgae - From Physiology to Application covers major aspects of microalgae physiology and the possible applications in the sphere of biotechnology. This book gives a comprehensive overview of what is known about microalgae growth and production, secondary metabolites, and development of new species and products for commercialization. This volume should allow readers at all levels an entry into the exciting world of algal research.

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Microalgae

Edited by Milada Vítová

Chapters authored

Lanthanides and Algae

By Milada Vítová, Mária Čížková and Vilém Zachleder

This chapter discusses the ecological and physiological impacts of lanthanides on algae as primary producers in aquatic environments. Although lanthanides are nonessential elements for living organisms, their bioaccumulation is a common phenomenon. Here, we critically review the ecological effects of increasing levels of lanthanides directly reaching water systems through mining, application of fertilizers, and the production of advanced technologies. We describe interactions between lanthanides and algae, with a particular focus on various applications including fertilizers, tracers, bioindicators, bioremediation, and recycling. We examine the stimulatory effects of low levels of lanthanides versus their toxicity at higher levels and discuss mechanisms by which they may affect the algal cell. This chapter highlights the importance of a better understanding of the biological roles of lanthanides.

Part of the book: Lanthanides

The Red Microalga Galdieria as a Promising Organism for Applications in Biotechnology

By Mária Čížková, Milada Vítová and Vilém Zachleder

The genus Galdieria refers to red algae and includes microscopic inhabitants of highly acidic (pH 1–2), often volcanic habitats. They are thermophilic or thermo-tolerant organisms, some of them surviving temperatures up to 56°C. As other extremophilic microorganisms, they exhibit unique features derived from their modified metabolisms. In this chapter, we will review the special abilities of Galdieria species such as metabolic flexibility to grow photoautotrophically, heterotrophically or mixotrophically, ability to utilize a whole range of unusual carbon sources, capability of surviving extreme environments or their extremely high resistance to metals. We will discuss the potential of Galdieria for applications in biotechnology, for example, phycocyanin production, nutrient removal from urban wastewaters, bio-mining, treatment of acidic mine drainage, selective metal precipitation, bioremediation of acidic metal-contaminated areas or recovery of critical and scarce metals from secondary sources.

Part of the book: Microalgae

Milada Vítová

Latest work with IntechOpen by Milada Vítová

Microalgae

Chapters authored

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Vilém Zachleder