Research & Initiatives
Our mission is to harness the biochemical potential of marine sponges through innovative biotechnology—where cures are cultivated without compromise, and the ocean’s wisdom is preserved for generations to come.
The Sponge Biotechnology Laboratory pursues a set of ambitious and interdisciplinary aims that bridge marine science, biotechnology, and sustainability:
Biomedical Innovation
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Develop in vitro methods for producing bioactive compounds from marine sponges, enabling sustainable access to chemically complex natural products.
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Support drug discovery by cultivating sponge cells that yield promising therapeutic agents, especially for cancer and infectious diseases.
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Expand microbial libraries by isolating sponge-associated bacteria and fungi, which can be screened for bioactivity and pharmaceutical potential.
Conservation & Sustainability
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Reduce ecological impact of wild sponge harvesting by developing lab-based cultivation techniques.
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Preserve marine biodiversity by protecting sponge habitats in the first and only biobank of living marine sponge cells while still accessing their biochemical potential.
Scientific Advancement
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Understand sponges and their role in producing bioactive compounds, shifting focus from their symbiotic microbes to the host organisms.
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Collaborate across disciplines to integrate chemistry, cell biology, bioengineers, microbiology, and bioinformatics in marine biotechnology research.
These aims position the lab as a leader in ethical marine bioprospecting—advancing human health while safeguarding ocean ecosystems.
