Development of a resource-saving photobioreactor system for cost-effective algae production and formulation of an algae-based fresh product for vegan sports nutrition and the senior pet food sector
The aim of the AlgaFit project is to establish a sustainable aquatic value chain with spirulina and nannochloropsis. The combined production of these microalgae in stacked reactors should be resource-efficient and cost-effective, while delivering high yields. Newly developed photobioreactors with LED lighting and agriphotovoltaics are intended to minimise production costs and thus protect the environment.
The main product will be an ‘algae squeeze’ for sports nutrition. Once the associated high standards have been achieved, a spin-off product for senior pet food will also be developed. Production is being developed by algatec GmbH in co-operation with the AWI and Bremen University of Applied Sciences and coordinated under the direction of INPUT engineers.
The simultaneous cultivation of the two food-approved algae species requires adaptation to different environmental conditions. Spirulina grows in LED-lit IBC containers, while Nannochloropsis is produced in turbulent film photobioreactors.
The aim is to produce both algae efficiently ‘from a single source’ in order to create a competitive end product. A quality assurance concept and marketing strategies are part of the funding provided by the Innovation Area.
The companies and scientific partners from northern Germany are working closely together to establish a stable, quality-assured process for microalgae-based fresh products.
