PUFAChain

The Value Chain from Microalgae to PUFAs: technological, environmental and integrated sustainability assessments

Background

The research project "The Value Chain from Microalgae to PUFA" (PUFAChain) aims at creating a sound scientific and technological basis for the industrial production of high-value products from microalgae.

It focuses on the isolation of pure omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA) from algae oil, which will be used as a basis for the production of constitutional food and pharmaceutical products. Several algae strains of different genera are investigated for specific criteria such as growth rate or nutrient content. Furthermore, multiple cultivation and extraction processes are analysed (e.g. algae cultivation in photobioreactors). Finally, optimisation potentials will be identified along the value chain in the fields of algal biology, cultivation and processing.

It focuses on the isolation of pure long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA) from algae oil, which will be used as a basis for the production of healthy foods and pharmaceutical products The reason for this is that the growing global demand for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can no longer be met by fish oil or krill oil without endangering stocks by overfishing. Several algae strains of different genera are investigated for specific criteria such as growth rate or nutrient content. Furthermore, multiple cultivation and extraction processes are analysed (e.g. algae cultivation in photobioreactors). Finally, optimisation potentials will be identified along the value chain in the fields of algal biology, cultivation and processing.

Activities at ifeu

As a member of the consortium IFEU performs an integrated sustainability assessment for algae production and use. It includes a holistic evaluation of the entire life cycle, i.e. from algae cultivation to the use of the end products. In addition to environmental aspects, economic, technological and social aspects are contemplated in collaboration with the respective partner organisations. All results are consolidated in an integrated sustainability assessment. That way the most sustainable product portfolios and production techniques for microalgae biorefineries can be identified and compared to conventional products. Subsequently, optimisation potentials and recommendations are derived.

Further information regarding the PUFAChain project can be found here.

Information on other IFEU algae projects can be found here.

For extensive information regarding the subject area algae please follow the link here.