Postdoctoral Researcher at Technische Universität München Human Spaceflight T, Germany
Dr. Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez is a multidisciplinary researcher with expertise in biotechnology, microbiology, and aerospace engineering applications. With a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the University of A Coruña, his scientific career spans from environmental bioremediation to cutting-edge space technologies. Currently based at the Technical University of Munich, he focuses on the development of regenerative life support systems using extremophilic microalgae to support human life in space. Sergio has participated in several high-impact European research projects, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and actively engages in educational and outreach initiatives related to space science.
Profile
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🎓 Education
👨🔬 Experience
Dr. Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, working within the Professorship of Human Spaceflight Technology. His work focuses on Life Support Systems (LSS), particularly the use of microalgae cultivation for oxygen production, wastewater treatment, and generation of edible biomass for astronaut life support in space missions.
Previously, he worked as a Biotechnologist at the Centre for New Technologies (CeNT), Poland, where he investigated microalgae growth under extreme conditions to understand photosynthetic energy conversion mechanisms at the molecular level. He also has experience in conducting transcriptomic studies and bioremediation assessments involving heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants in aquatic environments.
In addition to research, Dr. Santaeufemia supervises graduate students and lectures in the areas of Life Support Systems and Human Spaceflight Technology.
🔍 Research Interest
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Bioremediation using microalgae
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Photosynthetic mechanisms in extremophilic microalgae
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Life Support Systems (LSS) for space missions
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Microalgal biotechnology for oxygen generation, water purification, and biomass production
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Transcriptomic responses to environmental stressors
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Wastewater treatment using algae-bacteria symbiotic systems
Author Metrics
📚 Publications
1. Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue Using Living Biomass of the Microalga Chlamydomonas moewusii: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies
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Authors: R. Seoane, S. Santaeufemia, J. Abalde, E. Torres
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Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 19, Issue 5, Article 2653
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Year: 2022
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Citations: 24
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Summary: This study investigates the biosorptive potential of the microalga Chlamydomonas moewusii for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. Kinetic and equilibrium modeling were applied to evaluate the adsorption mechanisms and efficiency.
2. Efficient Removal of Dyes from Seawater Using as Biosorbent the Dead and Living Biomass of the Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum: Equilibrium and Kinetics Studies
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Authors: S. Santaeufemia, J. Abalde, E. Torres
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Journal: Journal of Applied Phycology, Vol. 33, pp. 3071–3090
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Year: 2021
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Citations: 18
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Summary: The paper examines the effectiveness of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (living and dead biomass) as a biosorbent for dye removal from marine environments. The study provides insights into equilibrium and kinetic parameters governing the process.
3. Plant and Algal Lipidomes: Analysis, Composition, and Their Societal Significance
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Authors: J. Jouhet, E. Alves, Y. Boutté, S. Darnet, F. Domergue, T. Durand, P. Fischer, S. Santaeufemia, et al.
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Journal: Progress in Lipid Research, Article 101290
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Year: 2024
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Citations: 10
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Summary: This comprehensive review explores lipidomics in plants and algae, highlighting lipid composition, roles in stress responses, and potential applications in nutrition, health, and biotechnology.
4. Dynamic Adaptation of the Extremophilic Red Microalga Cyanidioschyzon merolae to High Nickel Stress
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Authors: F. Marchetto, S. Santaeufemia, M. Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska, M.A. Śliwińska, et al.
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Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Vol. 207, Article 108365
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Year: 2024
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Citations: 9
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Summary: This research analyzes transcriptomic and biochemical responses of Cyanidioschyzon merolae to nickel stress, contributing to the understanding of extremophile adaptation mechanisms.
5. Molecular Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Adaptation of an Extremophilic Red Alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae
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Authors: F. Marchetto, S. Santaeufemia, M. Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska, M.A. Śliwińska, et al.
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Preprint Server: bioRxiv, DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529964
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Year: 2023
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Citations: 2
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Summary: This preprint discusses genetic and molecular insights into the adaptation of C. merolae to toxic heavy metals, revealing potential pathways and resistance mechanisms.
Conclusion
Dr. Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Biotechnology, especially in the subfields of space biotech, extremophile microalgal applications, and environmental biotechnology. His multidisciplinary innovation, international collaborations, and meaningful scientific contributions align well with the values of this award.
While there is room to further strengthen his profile through broader publication, grant leadership, and patent output, his existing impact and forward-looking research agenda make him a highly deserving and forward-thinking nominee.