Pharmaceuticals from microalgae

The aim of the project PUFACHAIN (The value chain from microalgae to PUFA) is to develop a sound scientific and technological basis for the industrial development of high-value products from microalgae. These processes will be evaluated for their sustainability and scaled up from lab to demonstrative prototype level.

Omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are important for maintaining human health. They play beneficial roles in the prevention and/or treatment of coronary heart diseases, cancer and diabetes, or occupy a structural role in the nervous tissues of the brain and retina.

Project partners will use highly purified omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) as building blocks to develop high-value products for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. They will define specifications along the various value adding stages of the value chain, which include biology, cultivation technology and downstream technology.

Researchers are developing the process for preparation of highly purified algal oils, together with the exploitation of side products and residues. Accompanying high-value substances may include colourant antioxidants, proteins, and enzymes for pharmaceuticals and polysaccharides.

For downstream processing, three stages will be adapted to obtain highly purified omega-3 fatty acids under optimal conditions. The stages are cell disruption, crude oil extraction and separation of defined molecular classes.

Scientists will also develop integrated membrane filtration for microalgae harvesting. The polyethersulfone membrane will remove bacteria and cell fragments for efficient water recycling and reuse of the nutrients. A demonstration plant will be built that will combine all the necessary steps and prove the technology's viability.

PUFACHAIN is using a comprehensive and holistic approach to address the environmental, economic and social aspects of the project. This will complement the scientific and commercial advances made at each value adding stage and ensure sustainability.