Dr Alla Silkina

Research Officer

Biosciences

+44 (0) 1792 205678 ext 9253

a.silkina@swansea.ac.uk

Basic Welsh Speaker

Post Doc room - 131C
First Floor
Wallace Building
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1804-8083

ResearcherID

About

Dr Alla SILKINA is a Research Officer in the Centre of Sustainable Aquatic Research for; Algal Biotechnology for Wales KTC, ACCOMPLISH A4B CIRP, Advanced Bio-Products A4B, EnAlgae INTERREG, BioAlgaeSorb and Shell Plant FP 7 projects operating from the CSAR at Swansea University.

Alla is working in the applied biotechnology sector with expertise on algal physiology and algal pigments. Her skills include mass cultivation of microalgae, PBR maintenance and the optimisation of growth kinetics. Her expertise is based on assessments of growth and algal physiology in response to culture conditions utilising small and large scale optimisation reactor designs.

Her main activities include Product development, purification analysis, downstream processing, optimisation of growth conditions for pigments and other molecules production.

Alla has 5 years of industrial experience in applied research working with Business-Academia collaborations. During this time 65 Welsh SME’s and 50 enterprises, organisations or association groups outside Wales were assisted, providing support and expertise in the field of algal biotechnology

Publications

Research Highlights

Silkina, A., Ginnever, N., Fernandes, F., & Fuentes Grunewald, C. (2019). Large-Scale Waste Bio-Remediation Using Microalgae Cultivation as a Platform. Energies, 12(14), 2772
https://doi.org/10.3390/en12142772, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51368
Mayhead, E., Llewellyn, C., Fuentes-Grunewald , C., Silkina, A., Fuentes Grunewald, C., & Llewellyn, C. (2018). Comparing Nutrient Removal from Membrane Filtered and Unfiltered Domestic Wastewater Using Chlorella vulgaris. Biology, 7(1), 12
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology7010012, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49735
Silkina, A., Nelson, G., Bayliss, C., Pooley, C., & Day, J. (2017). Bioremediation efficacy—comparison of nutrient removal from an anaerobic digest waste-based medium by an algal consortium before and after cryopreservation. Journal of Applied Phycology, 29(3), 1331-1341.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1066-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36103
Baglieri, A., Sidella, S., Barone, V., Fragalà, F., Silkina, A., Nègre, M., & Gennari, M. (2016). Cultivating Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda microalgae to degrade inorganic compounds and pesticides in water. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23(18), 18165-18174.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6996-3, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49738
Silkina, A., Bazes, A., Mouget, J., & Bourgougnon, N. (2012). Comparative efficiency of macroalgal extracts and booster biocides as antifouling agents to control growth of three diatom species. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 64(10), 2039-2046.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.06.028, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49742

All Research

Journal Articles

Paul, R., Silkina, A., Melville, L., Suhartini, S., & Sulu, M. (2023). Optimisation of Ultrasound Pretreatment of Microalgal Biomass for Effective Biogas Production through Anaerobic Digestion Process. Energies, 16(1), 553
https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010553, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62307
Fernandes, F., Silkina, A., PELAEZ, J., Kapoore, R., Broise, D., & Llewellyn, C. (2022). Microalgae Cultivation on Nutrient Rich Digestate: The Importance of Strain and Digestate Tailoring under PH Control. Applied Sciences, 12(11), 5429
https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115429, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62685
Fernandes, F., Silkina, A., Fuentes Grunewald, C., Wood, E., Ndovela, V., Oatley-Radcliffe, D., Lovitt, R., & Llewellyn, C. (2020). Valorising nutrient-rich digestate: Dilution, settlement and membrane filtration processing for optimisation as a waste-based media for microalgal cultivation. Waste Management, 118, 197-208.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.08.037, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55157
Llewellyn, C., Greig, C., Silkina, A., Kultschar, B., Hitchings, M., & Farnham, G. (2020). Mycosporine-like amino acid and aromatic amino acid transcriptome response to UV and far-red light in the cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC 6912. Scientific Reports, 10(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77402-6, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55786
Silkina, A., Kultschar, B., & Llewellyn, C. (2019). Far-Red Light Acclimation for Improved Mass Cultivation of Cyanobacteria. Metabolites, 9(8), 170
https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo9080170, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51484
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/metabo9080170
Silkina, A., Ginnever, N., Fernandes, F., & Fuentes Grunewald, C. (2019). Large-Scale Waste Bio-Remediation Using Microalgae Cultivation as a Platform. Energies, 12(14), 2772
https://doi.org/10.3390/en12142772, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51368
Mayhead, E., Llewellyn, C., Fuentes-Grunewald , C., Silkina, A., Fuentes Grunewald, C., & Llewellyn, C. (2018). Comparing Nutrient Removal from Membrane Filtered and Unfiltered Domestic Wastewater Using Chlorella vulgaris. Biology, 7(1), 12
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology7010012, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49735
Silkina, A., Zacharof, M., Hery, G., Nouvel, T., & Lovitt, R. (2017). Formulation and utilisation of spent anaerobic digestate fluids for the growth and product formation of single cell algal cultures in heterotrophic and autotrophic conditions. Bioresource Technology, 244, 1445-1455.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.133, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33921
Silkina, A., Nelson, G., Bayliss, C., Pooley, C., & Day, J. (2017). Bioremediation efficacy—comparison of nutrient removal from an anaerobic digest waste-based medium by an algal consortium before and after cryopreservation. Journal of Applied Phycology, 29(3), 1331-1341.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1066-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36103
Coward, T., Fuentes Grunewald, C., Silkina, A., Oatley-Radcliffe, D., Llewellyn, G., & Lovitt, R. (2016). Utilising light-emitting diodes of specific narrow wavelengths for the optimization and co-production of multiple high-value compounds in Porphyridium purpureum. Bioresource Technology, 221, 607-615.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2016.09.093, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa30199
Baglieri, A., Sidella, S., Barone, V., Fragalà, F., Silkina, A., Nègre, M., & Gennari, M. (2016). Cultivating Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda microalgae to degrade inorganic compounds and pesticides in water. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23(18), 18165-18174.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6996-3, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49738
Fuentes-Grünewald, C., Bayliss, C., Zanain, M., Pooley, C., Scolamacchia, M., Silkina, A., Silkina, A., Fuentes Grunewald, C., & Bayliss, C. (2015). Evaluation of batch and semi-continuous culture of Porphyridium purpureum in a photobioreactor in high latitudes using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy for monitoring biomass composition and metabolites production. Bioresource Technology, 189, 357-363.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.04.042, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23543
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852415005404
Silkina, A., Bazes, A., Mouget, J., & Bourgougnon, N. (2012). Comparative efficiency of macroalgal extracts and booster biocides as antifouling agents to control growth of three diatom species. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 64(10), 2039-2046.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.06.028, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49742
Faÿ, F., Linossier, I., Carteau, D., Dheilly, A., Silkina, A., & Vallée-Réhel, K. (2010). Booster biocides and microfouling. Biofouling, 26(7), 787-798.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2010.518234, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49744
Bazes, A., Silkina, A., Douzenel, P., Faÿ, F., Kervarec, N., Morin, D., Berge, J., & Bourgougnon, N. (2009). Investigation of the antifouling constituents from the brown alga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt. Journal of Applied Phycology, 21(4), 395-403.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-008-9382-9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49750
Silkina, A., Bazes, A., Vouvé, F., Le Tilly, V., Douzenel, P., Mouget, J., & Bourgougnon, N. (2009). Antifouling activity of macroalgal extracts on Fragilaria pinnata (Bacillariophyceae): A comparison with Diuron. Aquatic Toxicology, 94(4), 245-254.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.07.004, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49747
Bazes, A., Silkina, A., Defer, D., Bernède-Bauduin, C., Quéméner, E., Braud, J., & Bourgougnon, N. (2006). Active substances from Ceramium botryocarpum used as antifouling products in aquaculture. Aquaculture, 258(1-4), 664-674.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2006.04.017, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa49752

Taught Modules

BIO104 Cellular & Microbial Biology

This module provides a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in cell biology, including the biochemistry and structure of the cell and cell diversity. Life is more abundant than what we can see with our eyes. Plants, animals and humans are a small minority among living organisms because there is no niche on earth which is not colonized by microbes (i.e., archaea, bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses). As part of this module, you will learn that microbes were the first form of life on earth, support all kinds of life, and play a vital role in shaping the planet. Students will gain practical experience in handling and culturing microorganisms, microscopy and spectroscopy.

Key Grants and Projects

ALG-AD 2018

Welsh Government Targeted Match Fund and Interreg/NWE1IVB (ERDF), £5,5 mln
Evaluation of microalgae dewatering cultures using massively multiplexed microfluidic systems*† 2017 - 2018

BBSRC, £25K
PILOTS4U 2017 - 2019

H2020, £90K
Phycopigments 2016 - 2018

Innovate UK Newton, £250K
EnAlgae - Energetic Algae: Micro and macroalgae biomass production, downstream processing and modelling. 2011 - 2015

Welsh Government and Interreg IVB/NWE, £1,575,000 (dept. value)
A4BAdvance bioproducts - Advanced Bio-Products: To enhance expertise and infrastructure towards lucrative markets for advanced algae-based bio-products and processes. 2013 - 2014

ERDF & A4B, £240K
ACCOMPLISH - Algal Carbon Capture and BiOMass Production - LInked Supply cHain Aqueous and flue gas waste remediation using microalgae' 2011 - 2015

ERDF & A4B - £200K; TATA Steel UK Ltd, Welsh Water plc, Axium Process Ltd - £425K
BioalgaeSorb - Enabling European SMEs to remediate wastes, reduce GHG emissions and produce biofuels via microalgae cultivation. Waste remediation by algal biotechnology. 2010 - 2013

FP7, £650K
ShellPlant - Development of a novel production system for intensive and cost effective bivalve farming. Algal culture for feeding of valuable bivalves. 2010 - 2013

FP7, £240K
Algal Biotechnology KTC - Algal biotechnology for Wales Knowledge Transfer Centre: To provide an interface between academia and Welsh businesses interested in working in the algal biotechnology sector. 2008 - 2013

Business assistance for development of algal biotechnology., with ERDF, A4B, £380K

Affiliated Positions

Organisation Comity, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

2010 - 2010
Teaching Assistant, University of Southern Britany

2004 - 2007
Assistant, International Relationship Office, Lorient, France

2007 - 2008
Management Assistant of Doctoriales®Bretagne, Research Department, UBS, Lorient, France

2007 - 2008
Guide, Marine Aquarium, National Science Academy, Ukraine

1996 - 2003

Dr Alla Silkina

Telephone number

Email address

Welsh language proficiency

Research Links

About

Publications

Research Highlights

All Research

Journal Articles

Taught Modules

BIO104 Cellular & Microbial Biology

Key Grants and Projects

ALG-AD 2018

Evaluation of microalgae dewatering cultures using massively multiplexed microfluidic systems*† 2017 - 2018

PILOTS4U 2017 - 2019

Phycopigments 2016 - 2018

EnAlgae - Energetic Algae: Micro and macroalgae biomass production, downstream processing and modelling. 2011 - 2015

A4BAdvance bioproducts - Advanced Bio-Products: To enhance expertise and infrastructure towards lucrative markets for advanced algae-based bio-products and processes. 2013 - 2014

ACCOMPLISH - Algal Carbon Capture and BiOMass Production - LInked Supply cHain Aqueous and flue gas waste remediation using microalgae' 2011 - 2015

BioalgaeSorb - Enabling European SMEs to remediate wastes, reduce GHG emissions and produce biofuels via microalgae cultivation. Waste remediation by algal biotechnology. 2010 - 2013

ShellPlant - Development of a novel production system for intensive and cost effective bivalve farming. Algal culture for feeding of valuable bivalves. 2010 - 2013

Algal Biotechnology KTC - Algal biotechnology for Wales Knowledge Transfer Centre: To provide an interface between academia and Welsh businesses interested in working in the algal biotechnology sector. 2008 - 2013

Affiliated Positions

Organisation Comity, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Teaching Assistant, University of Southern Britany

Assistant, International Relationship Office, Lorient, France

Management Assistant of Doctoriales®Bretagne, Research Department, UBS, Lorient, France

Guide, Marine Aquarium, National Science Academy, Ukraine