Participants
- Functional Unit “Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics” (TEP 197)
Contacts
Dra. Cintia Gómez Serrano ( cgs1818@ual.es )
Dr Francisco Gabriel Acién Fernández (facien@ual.es)
Funds:
Marine Science and Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan Supplementary Plan
Current Situation:
In progress
Summary
Macroalgae are generally recognised as a safe and environmentally sustainable source of bioactive compounds. However, even so, the algae production portfolio is rather limited for several reasons, such as (i) difficulties in licensing the production or harvesting of macroalgae from natural environments, (ii) the low range of species allowed for production, (iii) the limited capacity/knowledge on continental algae production, and (iv) the limited number of applications already developed from this type of feedstock. Macroalgae are mainly produced as a source of carrageenans and in small quantities for food-related applications. However, the incorporation of macroalgae in livestock and aquaculture feeds allows reducing the use of other less sustainable ingredients, and allows incorporating compounds of high nutritional value to the target animal, and therefore improving the quality and sustainability of feed production. Objectives:
- The objective of the SUMAPRO project is to develop and validate large-scale processes for the sustainable continental production of macroalgae for food-related applications. To achieve this goal, major challenges will be faced.
- Macroalgae are at the core of the process and, while there is currently a portfolio of algal species produced, the portfolio of genera suitable for production is much larger. The challenge is to select the best strains of algae to produce and characterise them, determining the optimal conditions for their production.
- Currently, macroalgae are mainly harvested from the sea (wild or aquaculture). The challenge is to use current technologies for microalgae production and adapt them to macroalgae production. In addition, gentle processes will be required for biomass harvesting and processing.
- High energy consumption and the use of fertilisers in the production process compromise the sustainability of the process. The challenge is to increase the sustainability of production by recycling agro-industrial effluents as a source of nutrients, reducing energy consumption and integrating the use of renewable energies.
- The aquaculture and livestock sectors require healthy and sustainable ingredients to be incorporated into feed.The challenge is to produce high-value feed to move livestock and aquaculture production through a more sustainable system, balancing the ability to use inedible feed for humans and improving the quality of the final product.