PHYC
Phycotoxins laboratory
Phycotoxins laboratory, Research Unit DYNECO, Ifremer
https://wwz.ifremer.fr/dyneco/Lab.-Phyc
Description of the laboratory:
The Phycotoxins (PHYC) laboratory, located in Nantes, conducts research, and contributes to observation and expertise on the proliferation of toxic micro-algae, the production of their toxins and their impacts on marine food webs. The main research activities of the laboratory, within the thematic areas PEPS and ETOC of the research unit DYNECO, focus on the environmental and physiological factors affecting the production and diversity of toxins by phytoplankton and their transfers in the food chain. The laboratory studies the intensity and diversity of the origin of the seafood contamination by pelagic or benthic micro-algal toxins, already known to be problematic or emerging.
The PHYC laboratory also contributes to collective expertise with ministerial (eg MAAF / DGAL), institutional (eg ANSES) and socio-economic actors. At the international level, PHYC also reprensents France on the intergovernmental panel of HABs (IOC-UNESCO / IPHAB).
Research topics
- Ecophysiology of toxic microalgae,
- Chemodiversity and metabolism of toxic micro-algae / bio-active metabolites,
- Characterization of marine biotoxins and anticipation of emerging risks.
- Interactions between toxic microalgae and other marine organisms.
Local collective responsibilities
- Federation of Research IUML CNRS 3473
The PHYC laboratory is part of the CNRS Research Federation 3473 "Institut Universitaire Mer et Littoral". IUML brings together 17 research units from the University of Nantes and Ifremer-Nantes around the following disciplines: i) Environment - Biology - Chemistry; ii) Engineering sciences; iii) Human and Social Sciences.
- ThalassOMICS platform
In partnership with the Laboratory Mer Molécules Santé (MMS) of the University of Nantes, the PHYC laboratory has set up a technical platform called "Thalassomics". It is dedicated to metabolomic analyzes of marine microorganisms, and has integrated the Biogenouest CORSAIRE platform (http://www.rfmf.fr/site-de-competences/).
Team Leader: Zouher AMZIL
Staff: the PHYC laboratory, in the research unit of Coastal Environment Dynamics, department of Oceanography and Ecosystem Dynamics, currently has 16 employees (6 researchers including 2 HDRs, 4 engineers and 5 technicians, 1 secretary), as well as non-permanent staff (average CDD workforce per person/year: 4 doctoral students, 1 post-doc and 2 Master-2 trainees).
Implication in the GdR PHYCOTOX:
The PHYC laboratory team has initiated the GdR and co-directs the GdR Phycotox in collaboration with LEMAR. It strongly contributes to the animation of the GdR through the coordination, maintenance of the website as well as participation in the steering committee. The laboratory is involved in the following areas treated within the GdR Phycotox:
- Axis 1: Diversity of toxic / harmful micro-algae, synthesis and transformation of toxins and metabolites, analytical challenges.
- Axis 2: Ecology of toxic and harmful micro-algae and their interactions with other microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, micromycetes, parasites, predators)
- Axis 3: Impacts of toxic and harmful micro-algae and transfer of phycotoxins in marine ecosystems.
Contact information :
Phycotoxins Laboratory
IFREMER - Atlantic Center
Rue of Ile d'Yeu BP 21105
44311 Nantes Cedex
France
email : zouher.amzil@ifremer.fr
