BioNEM aims to develop a bio-certified concept for the cultivation of Haematococcus spp. in order to produce astaxanthin as a food supplement. To this end, an innovative culture medium based on nutrient-containing wastewater, for example from plant-based biogas plants, is being developed and optimised. The aim is to fulfil the requirements of ecological aquaculture without compromising biomass yield, astaxanthin production or contamination risks.
Following small-scale tests, the culture medium will be scaled up in a pilot phase and evaluated in terms of biomass growth and quality using a feedback loop. The downstream process and the HACCP concept will also be adapted to the ecological requirements. The organic certification is intended to open up new target groups for the German algenial® brand astaxanthin product and position it as a unique offering on the market.
