Research Group of Biofuels and Biomass Bioengineering (3-Bio)

Full name:

Research Group of Biofuels and Biomass Bioengineering (3-Bio)

3-Bio Team Picture

The Research Group of Biofuels and Biomass Bioengineering (3-Bio) conducts interdisciplinary research on the use of microalgae and plants as sources of renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks for the emerging bioeconomy.

The Research Group of Biofuels and Biomass Bioengineering (3-Bio) conducts interdisciplinary research on the use of microalgae and plants as sources of renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks for the emerging bioeconomy. Our work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the synthesis, storage, and regulation of high-energy lipids, as well as developing innovative biotechnological solutions to support the production of biofuels and other value-added bioproducts.

The group combines expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and genetic engineering. We employ advanced tools of synthetic biology to modify microalgae and plants, enhance their productivity, and improve their capacity to accumulate energy-rich compounds. At the same time, we investigate the role of lipids in plant development and stress responses, generating knowledge relevant to both the bioenergy sector and sustainable agriculture.

The strength of 3-Bio lies in its collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, bringing together researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students working across different areas of biological sciences and biotechnology. By integrating fundamental and applied research, we address contemporary challenges related to energy security, climate change, and sustainable development.

The group actively collaborates with leading research institutions across Europe and the United States and maintains strong connections with industrial partners interested in implementing biomass-based and renewable energy technologies. Our mission is to develop innovative solutions that combine scientific excellence with tangible technological and societal impact.


Main Research Areas 

  • Microalgal biotechnology for the production of biofuels and bioproducts
  • Lipid metabolism and lipid homeostasis in plants
  • Genetic engineering of microalgae and plants
  • Biological mechanisms underlying energy-rich biomass accumulation
  • Interactions between lipid metabolism and plant immunity
  • Synthetic biology approaches for the development of green energy technologies

Team Leader

Krzysztof Zienkiewicz

Krzysztof Zienkiewicz

Associate Professor

Bio:

Krzysztof Zienkiewicz is an associate professor at NCU, whose research focuses on molecular plant biology, microalgal biotechnology, and lipid metabolism. He gained extensive international research experience at leading scientific institutions, including the Estación Experimental del Zaidín of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC, Spain), Michigan State University (USA), and the University of Göttingen (Germany).

Meet the research team

Portrait of Agnieszka Zienkiewicz

Agnieszka Zienkiewicz

Portrait of Pattarapong Inchana

Pattarapong Inchana

Portrait of Marcin Rygielski

Marcin Rygielski

Portrait of Nibras Belgaroui

Nibras Belgaroui

Portrait of Ewa Klugier-Borowska

Ewa Klugier-Borowska

Portrait of Karolina Śmigielska

Karolina Śmigielska

Portrait of Tomasz Gulanicz

Tomasz Gulanicz

Portrait of Olga Regulska

Olga Regulska

Portrait of Zoofa Zayani

Zoofa Zayani