Mikroalgae

Microalgae are microorganisms that are capable of photosynthesis. They require light energy CO₂ as well as macro- and micronutrients for their growth. In contrast to higher plants, they do not form differentiated tissues and can be produced as single-celled organisms in various cultivation systems. At the Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology, microalgae are cultivated in flat plate reactor systems. Microalgae are characterized by their interesting and versatile product portfolio: in addition to bioactive ingredients such as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids, they can also form carbon-rich storage products, e.g. starch, beta-glucans & lipids. The Industrial Biotechnology Group is concerned with the development and optimization of microalgae cultivation processes. Through the targeted modification of process parameters, we are able to produce microalgae biomass with a desired ingredient profile.

When developing the processes, the use of residual material streams from other processes - such as nutrient-rich filtrate water from biogas plants - is also taken into account from the point of view of the circular economy. In particular, the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from point sources is the focus of current IGVP projects (RoKKa). In this way, microalgae can contribute to the avoidance of CO₂ emissions. In addition to avoiding emissions, the IGVP is working with project partners on the application of the microalgae biomass produced and its ingredients. In the MiReFung2 project, for example, beta-glucans were produced with microalgae and examined by a project partner with regard to their applicability for fungicide reduction. In order to be able to test various applications, the IGVP is also working on the processing of the microalgae biomass produced, such as cell disruption and the extraction of ingredients.

The IGVP offers various services and consulting in the field of microalgae biotechnology on the following topics:

• Development of microalgae production processes
• Investigation of residual material streams with regard to their applicability in microalgae cultivation
• Processing of microalgae biomass & extraction of ingredients