Increasing the efficiency of algae cultivation processes and recovering valuable materials for the food industry

Microalgae are promising raw materials for overcoming global challenges and offer numerous potential applications, particularly in the food industry. They can serve as a source of food supplements, natural colorants and flavors. The aim of this project was to increase the efficiency of algae cultivation through innovative technologies, in particular membrane fumigation, and to isolate various valuable products from algae such as astaxanthin, phycocyanin and biomass, which are suitable for use in food.‍

Membrane gassing doubles efficiency

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The project focused on the cultivation of the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus in various reactor systems. The use of a specially developed membrane loop reactor led to a doubling of biomass production (+101%) compared to conventional systems. At the same time, the growth rate was increased by 28% and the growth rate by 160%. This increase in efficiency was made possible by the precise regulation of oxygen and CO₂ concentrations via membranes.

In addition to increasing efficiency in cultivation, the project also focused on extracting valuable substances from algae, particularly those that can be used as natural additives in food. Astaxanthin, a natural colorant from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, phycocyanin from Spriulina platensis and highly concentrated algae biomass from Scenedesmus obliquus, which can potentially be used in functional foods and food supplements, were successfully isolated.

The results of the project show that membrane fumigation is a promising approach to significantly increase the efficiency of algae cultivation processes. At the same time, it was proven that products derived from microalgae, such as colorants and food supplements, are of great value to the food industry. This research lays the foundation for the sustainable and economically viable use of algae as a source of natural ingredients in food. Future studies could further advance the optimization of production processes for other algae strains.

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University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences

Project management: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Riedl

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Final report"Increasing the efficiency of algae cultivation processes"

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