In addition to our own research, we also work together with partners from science and industry on various projects on the subject of microalgae. We also rely on the know-how of Sea & Sun Technology in the area of sensor technology and have, thanks to years of successful cooperation, an international network to tackle even the most challenging issues. These projects can help us improve our production and develop new processes.
Below you will find information on current and already completed project projects.
SolarAlgen - Functionalized algae-based dyes for photovoltaic systems
In cooperation with:
TH Lübeck, HAW Hamburg
The aim of the project is to develop efficient solar cells for renewable energy production using organic and sustainable green pigments derived from Baltic microorganisms. The experimental studies are carried out at the Technical University of Lübeck by Prof. Nadine Buczek and Prof. Mark Elbing and guided by high-performance computer-based quantum simulations in the group of Prof. Paweł Buczek at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.
OnAsta - Development of realtime measurement sensors for photobioreactors
In cooperation with:
The project focuses on automation through targeted sensor development for astaxanthin production from Haematococcus pluvialis. More info to come...
PhycoKult - Development of an innovative aquatic value chain for the production of C-phycocyanin
In cooperation with:
Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Hochschule Bremen, INPUT Ingenieure GmbH
The aim of the planned project is to establish an aquatic value chain with the production organism Arthrospira platensis. The main product is C-phycocyanin (C-PC) as a food, feed supplement and cosmetic raw material in organic quality. A quality assurance concept is to be developed for the entire process chain of the production process. This ensures a defined and consistently high product quality. The entire aquatic value chain is being developed in the PhycoKult project on a technical scale and established as a model at the INPUT company. In the joint project, companies cooperate with academic and scientific partners as well as competence centers from three federal states in the fields of agriculture, microalgae biotechnology, aquaculture and environmental process engineering. The aim is the joint development of a technical process for the production of C-PC and its technical implementation in northern Germany.
AquaHealth - Microalgae Microbiomes – A natural source for the prevention and treatment of aquaculture diseases
In cooperation with:
Technical University Hamburg, University Hamburg, Aalborg University (AAU PLAN, AAU Bio), SINTEF AS
As part of the AquaHealth project, an international consortium of very experienced partners will develop new and innovative instruments and technologies to develop the natural synergy of microalgae and microbial consortia, to develop new bioactive and prebiotic compounds for sustainable use in prevention and discover and validate disease treatment in land-based aquaculture facilities.
The target molecules include urgently needed enzymes that prevent the formation of microbial biofilms (quorum quenching (anti-biofilm) proteins), as well as antiviral natural products such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These primary goals are dealt with in seven work packages.
The target molecules include urgently needed enzymes that prevent the formation of microbial biofilms (quorum quenching (anti-biofilm) proteins), as well as antiviral natural products such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These primary goals are dealt with in seven work packages.
AstaEx - Development of a new process for the direct extraction of Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis
In cooperation with:
Technical University of Munich, Privateskinlab
Astaxanthin belongs to the group of carotenoids and is a reddish colorant, which is used in the animal feed industry, the food supplement market and the cosmetics industry. The aim of the cooperation project is the development of a new, cost-effective process for the direct extraction of astaxanthin from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.
ABiRe - Development and implementation of an innovative aquatic-based biorefinery
In cooperation with:
Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, Polytechnic University of St. Petersburg
The microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and Lemna minor are cultivated both in open ponds and in closed systems in Germany and Russia. Goals include identifying optimal cultivation conditions, as well as efficient harvesting methods to increase profitability. In order to obtain valuable substances such as proteins, carotenoids or pectin, cost-effective extraction methods are to be developed which are also used in the processing industry. Residual biomass is still used as a sorbent for the treatment of industrial wastewater, especially with regard to heavy metals. At the same time, extraction residues are to be used as a nutrient substrate for anaerobic processes to generate electricity and heat for the process. CO2 arising during the process is used for the phototrophic cultivation of the microalgae.
Cooperations between German and Russian research groups are being created to achieve these goals. The project uses industry experience and links it with the innovation of research and development in both countries.
Cooperations between German and Russian research groups are being created to achieve these goals. The project uses industry experience and links it with the innovation of research and development in both countries.
Microalgae production in offshore culture
In cooperation with:
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Coastal Research Management
Together with our partners from industry and science, Sea & Sun Technology and our team launched a project on industrial microalgae production at sea in the spring of 2014. Many environmental parameters can support effective ocean production. In addition, there is the possibility of nutrient reduction of eutrophic waters.
Screening of cryophilic microalgae species
In cooperation with:
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel
During the winter months, algae biotechnology is facing increased economic and technical demands in warm temperate and boreal climates. High energy costs for heating and artificial light complicate economically viable production with the common mesophilic algae strains. Despite the limitations defined by the thermodynamic laws and the low levels of sunlight prevailing during the cold season, nature has produced perfectly adapted specialists. These so-called cryophilic or cryotolerant algae show amazing productivity at temperatures around freezing. This ability is evidenced by the appearance of massive algal blooms in the Arctic Ocean or in the snow and meltwater of glaciers.
Together with our colleagues from Sea & Sun Technology, we have worked closely together with Prof. Dr. med. Rüdiger Schulz (Botanical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel) and his colleagues investigated cryotolerant microalgae. The objective was to find biotechnologically relevant strains which, in addition to rapid growth at low temperatures, also achieve high yields of the desired products.
Together with our colleagues from Sea & Sun Technology, we have worked closely together with Prof. Dr. med. Rüdiger Schulz (Botanical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel) and his colleagues investigated cryotolerant microalgae. The objective was to find biotechnologically relevant strains which, in addition to rapid growth at low temperatures, also achieve high yields of the desired products.
Aquaplant Systems
In cooperation with:
Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Conviotec GmbH
The overfishing of the seas and the limnic fishing grounds in recent decades has led to global rethinking and an increasing number of land-based aquaculture facilities. However, these require large quantities of high-quality feed and result in a considerable burden on the environment due to their high inorganic wastewater emission. Therefore, it is essential for this industry to find intelligent solutions for cost reduction and sustainability.
Together with our partner, the fish farm Christophersen (Bornhöved), Sea & Sun Technology and our team have combined the fish aquaculture with the microalgae production to close the biogeochemical carbon, nitrogen and phosphate cycle as far as possible. Within this project, we still feed fish with conventional feed with the aim of substituting this feed with algae feed. Similar to the higher plants, algae need sunlight, water, carbon dioxide and inorganic nutrients to grow your growth. Inorganic residues from fish wastewater can be used as a valuable substrate for the cultivation of algae.
Together with our partner, the fish farm Christophersen (Bornhöved), Sea & Sun Technology and our team have combined the fish aquaculture with the microalgae production to close the biogeochemical carbon, nitrogen and phosphate cycle as far as possible. Within this project, we still feed fish with conventional feed with the aim of substituting this feed with algae feed. Similar to the higher plants, algae need sunlight, water, carbon dioxide and inorganic nutrients to grow your growth. Inorganic residues from fish wastewater can be used as a valuable substrate for the cultivation of algae.
We are funded by:
