Objectif
This project aims to improve the biosynthesis of carotenoids through the development of a new environmentally friendly technology, cost effective production of natural carotenoids, which are increasingly important pigments and anti-oxidants widely used in Agro-food, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and Mealth-Food Industries. Different technologies for the production of microalgae biomass will be combined integrating two different systems:
1. the photobioreactors, where there is a fairly good knowledge in Europe (Britain, France and Italy), with pre-competitive results already described, which will be considered, and
2. the raceway pond systems, where extensive experience was developed in Israel and U.S.A. with commercial production facilities in operation, with whom technology transfer contacts have been initiated. The whole system, pioneered in Europe, will be applied to beta-carotene production using Dunaliella, and the photo-bioreactor, will be used for astaxanthin biosynthesis with Haematococcus.
The research will consist of a set of Tasks grouped into four Macro-Tasks:
1. MT l: Laboratory Scale Cultures;
2. MT 2: Process Scale up and Optimization.
3. MT 3: Analytical Development and Control.
4. MT 4: System Support and Management.
Those Macro-Tasks are interdependent and will be executed in parallel using a PERT approach for the actual management and control. All participants have a significant contribution for each of the Macro-Tasks which aims to fulfil a specific milestone. The expected results are:
1. a full cost-effective production system for the biosynthesis of natural carotenoids integrating all the laboratory to pilot-plant steps;
2. the knowledge to operate the system for the production of different carotenoids using different microalgae selected strains; and
3. the obtaining of high quality natural products, either in the form of microalgae powder or extracted carotenoids in vegetable oil solution.
During the first year of work, the four laboratories participating in the project assembled laboratory scale culture equipment and built small scale raceway ponds. Medium scale ponds are already under use in Lisbon and the Algarve.
The analytical techniques to be used during the project have also mostly been set up, problems being found in terms of the very salty media used with Dunaliella. Development of protocols for carotenoid analysis has also caused problems.
One of the important points under consideration is the selection of the best strains in terms of growth and carotenoid production under the climatic conditions found in the south of Portugal. Some progress in this area has been made, but this remains a major concern. The development of culture conditions is also important, in terms of favouring growth of the chosen strains and, at the same time, discouraging growth of contaminants. It has already been concluded that carotenoid production has to be carried out under a different set of conditions from those favouring increase in biomass. Therefore the optimisation of both sets of conditions is necessary.
The separation of the cells, has also been a subject under study, with some innovative methods being tested. These include microfiltration and the natural migration of cells from a layer of high salt concentration to a less concentrated one.
The extraction of the carotenoid from the cells is also complex; experiments using supercritical extraction as well as conjugation of flocculation/oil extraction have been started. The best choice was found to be the extraction into vegetable oil. The important problem of preserving the carotenoids either within or outside the cells has also been investigated, with some promising results.
CONCLUSIONS
Although, during the first year of the project, important steps have been taken towards the economic production of carotenoids from microalgae, these are still mostly of infrastructural nature. This includes the installation of laboratory growth equipment and small and medium size raceway ponds. Various analytical procedures and technological operations have also been developed and will be used during the continuation of the project.
This project is investigating the feasibility of large scale carotenoid production using microalgae such as Dunaliella and Haematococcus species. Studies cover both closed photobioreactors and raceway ponds, under the conditions found in Southern Europe. The research being carried out covers a number of interdependent tasks including laboratory scale cultures, process scale up and optimisation, as well as analysis and process control, system support and management. The anticipated final result is a complete cost effective production system for the biosynthesis of natural carotenoids integrating all the laboratory to pilot plant steps, as well as the knowledge to operate the system for the production of different carotenoids using strains of different microalgae selected. The final product may be produced either as a microalgae powder or as extracted carotenoids in vegetable oil solution.
This project aims to develop processes for the cost effective biosynthesis of carotenoids using algae. Carotenoids are important ingredients, widely used as pigments and anti oxidants in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and health food industries. Different technologies for the production of microalgae biomass are being studied. These integrate alternative systems based on either closed photobioreactors or raceway pond systems. Both are established technologies for algal production. The former have been quite widely used in Europe (Britain, France and Italy) whilst extensive experience of raceway systems has been built up in Israel and the United States. The complete raceway system will be developed to produce beta-carotene using Dunaliella, while the photo bioreactor system will be used for astaxanthin biosynthesis by Haematococcus.
Champ scientifique
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediationbioreactors
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugs
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyphycology
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growing
- agricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinateur
1699 LISBOA
Portugal