TNO to Partner on Algae Food Ingredient Extraction Project

All around the world, meat production is under pressure because of its effects on climate and excessive land use in for example the Amazon. Up to 60% of algae consists of protein, which could provide a vegetable alternative to animal protein.

Aug 4 2010 --- TNO and industrial algae producer Ingrepro Renewables B.V. are starting a joint research project to extract food ingredients from algae. These food ingredients are mainly proteins that could be used as a sustainable alternative to meat, and healthy vegetable oils. Additionally, the partners will examine if and how carbohydrates from algae can be used. Currently, most of the initiatives for the use of algae are related to the oil as a potential replacement for fossil fuels.

The study should reveal how to extract the substances from the organisms on a large scale, before they are processed into sustainable chemicals or fuel. The extraction process can lead tot an algae production system that is profitable and environmentally friendly. In the research project, Ingrepro Renewables B.V. is responsible for the algae production and for setting up the biorefinery process. TNO will develop the technologies for extraction and refining the oil, proteins and carbohydrates and will work on the possible applications of the ingredients. This two-year project has a volume of 1.5 million euros, which is largely funded by the Biorefinery encouragement scheme of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

Algae have great potential as a sustainable source of food ingredients and fine chemicals. The organisms not only use the greenhouse gas CO2 under the influence of sunlight, but also substances such as nitrate and phosphate. If the last mentioned substances are used well, algae production is relatively inexpensive as well as good for the environment.

Large-scale algae production can thus be a response to the demand for sustainable meat substitutes. All around the world, meat production is under pressure because of its effects on climate and excessive land use in for example the Amazon. Up to 60% of algae consists of protein, which could provide a vegetable alternative to animal protein.

In addition to this protein, up to 30% of algae consists of oil rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This ingredient can be processed into a healthy food ingredient, and become a sustainable replacement for fish oil. Relatively little is known yet about carbohydrates from algae. The research project aims to provide more information about the biorefinery of those ingredients.

In addition to this protein, up to 30% of algae consists of oil rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This ingredient can be processed into a healthy food ingredient, and become a sustainable replacement for fish oil. Relatively little is known yet about carbohydrates from algae. The research project aims to provide more information about the biorefinery of those ingredients.

For the time being, the utilisation of algae as food ingredients will yield higher potential profits than the use of algae for biofuel. The biofuel from algae industry is still in its infancy. Several small scale tests have already been performed with cars, trucks and aeroplanes using algae oil as fuel.