Contact details +6469517171
Dr Maxence Plouviez MAg, PhD
Research Officer
Doctoral Supervisor School of Agriculture and EnvironmentResearch Officer
Contract Research UnitProfessional
Qualifications
- Master degree in Agronomy - Montpellier Supagro (2013)
- Doctor of Philiosophy - Massey University (2017)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Research Projects
Current Projects
Project Title: Understanding the mechanisms of microalgal self-aggregation for economic and sustainable harvesting
While microalgae provide important functions for food production and wastewater treatment, the expansion of microalgae biotechnologies is currently limited by our ability to harvest these microorganisms economically and sustainably. Harvesting microalgae is indeed especially
challenging due to the specific physico-chemical characteristics of these cells and current technologies have a high demand for energy and/or chemicals.
We believe that exploiting the natural ability of microalgae to self-aggregate into flocs that can be easily gravity-settled is a potential solution for economic and sustainable harvesting. However, despite observations of self-aggregation in various settings, we have a very limited knowledge as to i) what the biomolecules triggering self-aggregation are and how they are produced; ii) when and how microalgae self-aggregate; and iii) if microalgal self-aggregation can be efficiently triggered on demand.
Focusing on predation-response in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, this research seeks to determine, for the first time, the molecular pathways and biomolecules involved in microalgae self-aggregation predation-response. This fundamental research will improve our understanding of microalgal ecology, evolution, and physiology. It will also lay the foundation needed to ultimately develop cost- and resource-efficient harvesting technologies.
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Date Range: 2023 - 2026
Funding Bodies: Marsden Fund - Full; Royal Society of New Zealand
Project Team:
- Dr Maxence Plouviez - Project Leader
Teaching and Supervision
Current Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
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Emma Muir
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Doctor of Philosophy
Understanding microalgae self-aggregation for economic and sustainable harvesting.
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
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2023
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Alexander Cliff
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Doctor of Philosophy
Environmental influences on polyphosphate accumulation in microalgae: an investigation into species differences and transcriptional responses