More information
Description
MICROBOOST project aims to develop innovative research on microalgae functionality and understand their bioactivity on fish immune performance. At least four products will be developed: a new microalgae biomass (E. gracilis), a new blend (E. gracilis and Nannochloropsis sp.) and two bioactive aquafeed supplements for aquaculture applications derived from these microalgae.
MICROBOOST is led by Allmicroalgae, a large industry located in Portugal. Allmicroalgae provides excellence in microalgae cultivation and is considered an European reference for microalgae industrial production. Allmicroalgae’s mission is rooted in the desire to cultivate sustainable, global, green solutions, and to develop commodities by boosting microalgae’s natural intrinsic features and capabilities.
MICROBOOST will develop tight cooperation between the following partners: Allmicroalgae: one of the largest European producers of microalgae, NIVA: Norway’s leading institute for fundamental and applied research on marine and fresh waters, SPAROS: a science and technology company specialized in nutritional solutions for aquaculture, Green CoLab: a collaborative platform which bridges algae research and industry to drive algal biotechnology solutions, CIIMAR: a leading research and advanced training institution focused on ocean knowledge and innovation, and UiBergen: a Marine research reference with solid aquaculture knowledge.
The new products proposed in MICROBOOST will compete in the aquaculture market, backed with a solid scientific and technical immunomodulating activity.
Summary of project results
Microboost focuses on addressing specific challenges in the development of functional aquafeeds, namely by demonstrating the immunomodulatory features of microalgal biomass. In this project, the whole productdevelopment pipeline was addressed: from microalgae production methods, to extraction of valuable compounds, to testing bioactivity in laboratory and fish production conditions and including challenge-validation trials in real aquaculture settings. The goal of this project was to promote the aquaculture sector bioeconomy by formulating nutrient-rich, sustainable fish feeds that improve fish performance and general health, and perhaps reduce the need for antibiotics. Microboost seeked to improve microalgae production methods and to harness the functional properties of microalgae polysaccharides to strengthen the immune system of fish, improving their resilience, and to test the proposed solution in several representative fish species, relevant for the aquaculture industry
This report describes the work carried out in the Microboost project from June, 6th 2022 to April, 30th 2024. This project allowed developments in all activities proposed, with emphasis on: - in Ati1, a Nannochloropsis sp. and a Euglena gracilis strains were selected, based on their growth performance; their scale-up and industrial scale production were optimized, and biomass necessary for the following activities was attained. - in Ati2, cell disruption techniques were tested and a protocol was defined for Nannochloropsis sp. and for E. gracilis biomass processing; several fractions were obtained from both the microalgae at use, and these were provided to partners. Data was collected and processes were optimized to develop the foreseen pilot biorefinery pipelines and to obtain the proposed ingredients to be used in the remaining tasks. - in Ati3, different microalgae fractions were tested, the dosage was adjusted, and assays were performed in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, to assess bioactivities of the different fractions/ingredients; these were tested in relevant models, from cell lines, to explants, and to animal models, recapitulating effects and closing in on the bioactivity/functionality of the microalgae metabolites. - Ati4 gathered considerations on product value and requirements; data were analysed for the planed LCA and TEA analysis, revealing the benefits of fermentation. -Finally, in Ati5 the partners met online and in person, and also participated in conferences, and shared knowledge through staff exchange and through social media and other communication outlets. Overall, despite initial challenges, the Microboost team remained resolute in its mission, to overcome these obstacles and deliver the functional aquafeeds.
The involvement of the donor project partners was essential at all stages of the project implementation, as it ensured the project’s relevance and direct applicability. Bilateral engagement of partners was crucial since Activity 1, as it opened the door to explore the potential of NORCCA: the Norwegian Culture Collection of Algae, alongside NIVA. The NORCCA collection includes a priceless variety of microalgae strains, and their potential as ingredients to develop functional aquafeeds increases their commercial value. From a research standpoint, it was an opportunity to explore ways to cultivate these organisms, to learn about them, and document their key functionalities and industrial production feasibility. On the later stages of the project, the expertise and skills from UiBergen were pivotal to relay particular demands and needs of the aquaculture sector. Overall, UiBergen was an invaluable partner with key insights into the challenges faced by aquaculture producers and helped to bridge the gap between academia and industrial partners. A strong alignment between research findings and actual requirements for their direct implementation, in practice, guaranteed the project’s relevance and applicability. Altogether, there were successful academic-industrial partnerships which continued to foster innovation and to push the boundaries of knowledge, to build sustainable growth. By teaming up with Norwegian institutions, Microboost gained access to a rich ecosystem, both in terms of research and in technology transfer, to generate commercialization opportunities and ensure strong impact of the project’s findings
Summary of bilateral results
The involvement of the donor project partners was essential at all stages of the project implementation, as it ensuredthe project’s relevance and direct applicability. Bilateral engagement of partners was crucial since Activity 1, as it opened the door to explore the potential of NORCCA: the Norwegian Culture Collection of Algae, alongside NIVA. The NORCCA collection includes a priceless variety of microalgae strains, and their potential as ingredients to develop functional aquafeeds increases their commercial value. From a research standpoint, it was an opportunity to explore ways to cultivate these organisms, to learn about them, and document their key functionalities and industrial production feasibility.On the later stages of the project, the expertise and skills from UiBergen were pivotal to relay particular demands and needs of the aquaculture sector. Overall, UiBergen was an invaluable partner with key insights into the challenges faced by aquaculture producers and helped to bridge the gap between academia and industrial partners. A strong alignment between research findings and actual requirements for their direct implementation, in practice, guaranteed the project’s relevance and applicability.Altogether, there were successful academic-industrial partnerships which continued to foster innovation and to push the boundaries of knowledge, to build sustainable growth. By teaming up with Norwegian institutions, Microboost gained access to a rich ecosystem, both in terms of research and in technology transfer, to generate commercialization opportunities and ensure strong impact of the project’s findings.