The division of Biotechnology and biomolecules pursues research on biosubstances and developments in biotechnology. The research involves working with biosubstances, bioactive substances and enzymes, with the goal of producing marketable products.
Icelandic nature is the key to all of the division's research efforts. Regarding biotechnology, the emphasis is on finding microbes in hotspring areas and the ocean for producing active and powerful enzymes for use in the food processing and chemicals industry. This involves enzymes with activity unknown elsewhere, and they are sought after by producers all over the world
Biologically active substances are found in nature in many places. Their activity, both positive and negative, is scanned for. Positive activity is sought after for producing health products and preventing various side effects and diseases. Worth mentioning in this regard are lowering blood pressure, resisting cancer, protection against cardiovascular diseases, etc.
The division's research on bioactive substances is particularly focused on the ocean around Iceland and what it yields. Bioactive substances are found in algae, fish byproducts, etc., but the division's technical knowledge is also utilized for processing bioactive substances from organisms, such as sea cucumbers and sharks. When bioactive substances are found, their composition is analyzed and experiments are performed to test their activity on animals. Finally, ways are found to isolate the substances and put them into marketable form.
An important aspect of the division's work goes on at the Matís Biotechnology Center, which is one of the most modern laboratories in Iceland.
Main activities:
- Enzyme technology and genetic engineering
- Biomolecules
- Bioactive compounds
- Microalgae and cyanobacteria
- Extremophiles
At our website we offer various services and expertise:
Director:
Hordur G. Kristinsson
Research group leaders:
Gudmundur Oli Hreggvidsson
Rosa Jonsdottir
Operations:
Matís Headquarters, Reykjavík
Matís, Saudarkrokur
