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BIOTEK2021-Bioteknologi for verdiskaping

Novel Extraction Processes for mulTiple high-value compoUNds from selected Algal Source materials

Awarded: NOK 2.6 mill.

The increasing demand for novel compounds from natural sources has recently focused on the production of new high value chemicals from algae. However, to be able to effectively exploit the rich chemical diversity of algae, there is a need to develop new technologies to optimize the extraction yields without damaging the chemical integrity of valuable compounds. NEPTUNA is an European Marine Biotechnology ERA-net funded project led by Ireland (NUI Galway), with contributing partners from Belgium, Norway and the UK. The project aimed to develop novel extraction techniques for high value compounds from a range of different algal groups. Species of interest included two specific macroalgae, cyanobacteria and a few microalgae which contain valuable compounds with potential anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. Specific methodologies have been developed to extract the phenolic compounds from the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus and the phycobiliproteins from the red macroalga Palmaria palmata. Algal extracts produced by the new methodologies showed potent antioxidant activities, with potential applications in the home/personal care product ranges, as well as food and health. The various extracts have been through bioactivity and chemical profiling.

Novel enzyme-based extraction technologies will be applied to algal biomass derived from selected algal taxonomic Groups including macroalgae (seaweeds), microalgae and cyanobacteria. Algal species will be chosen according to their potential to produce high bioactive levels (focussing phenolic compounds, MAAs, carotenoids) which will be further enhanced by applying abiotic stresses. Commercially available and newly isolated enzymes, derived from seaweed biomass, will be used to co-extract bioactives of interest in a more efficient manner than via traditional extraction protocols. Algal extracts produced by enzymatic and traditional approaches will be tested for multiple applications, concentrating on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with applications in food, cosmetics, animal health (aquaculture) and personal/home care. Extracts that exhibit high activities will be chemically characterised to identify active Components.

Funding scheme:

BIOTEK2021-Bioteknologi for verdiskaping