Research Interests

My research is in the field of Industrial Biotechnology, with a focus on the biotechnological upcycling of synthetic polymers into high-value products. Specifically, I investigate the potential of microorganisms capable of producing valuable compounds and evaluate their ability to metabolize monomers derived from plastic degradation. Currently, I am exploring the utilization of polylactic acid (PLA) waste streams for the production of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), using the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii. Through this approach, I aim to develop sustainable bioprocesses that contribute to circular economy strategies and the valorization of polymer waste.

Education and Work Experience

PhD Candidate, Biotechnology                                          2023-present

Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

Thesis: Upcycling of synthetic polymers for the biotechnological production of high-added value products

 

MΕng, Chemical Engineering                                              2017-2022

School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (8.86/10)

Diploma Thesis: Discovery and isolation of enzymes from fungal strains and their application in the degradation of synthetic polymers (10/10)

 

Undergraduate Intern                                                        2021

Lavipharm, Research and Development department

Conferences List

1. Foka, C. Ferousi, A. Karnaouri, E. Topakas, Valorization of Monomeric Compounds Originating from Synthetic Polymers by Crypthecodinium cohnii. Poster presentation. 14th Panhellenic Scientific Conference of Chemical Engineering. 2024, Thessaloniki, Greece.
2. Katerina Foka, Anthi Karnaouri, Stylianos D. Stefanidis, Konstantinos G. Kalogiannis, Angelos A. Lappas, Evangelos Topakas, Accumulation of high-nutritional-value omega-3 fatty acids by the heterotrophic microalgae Crypthecodinium cohnii on organosolv fractionated agricultural residues from the flour milling industry. Poster presentation. 10^th International Conference of Mikrobiokosmos. 2023, Larissa, Greece.