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A microalgae cultivated in Portugal, Dunaliella salina, is proving promising in the field of health. Researchers at the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with CIIMAR, CBQF – Portuguese Catholic University, GreenCoLab and the company Necton, have discovered that this microalgae contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating properties.

The study, carried out as part of the Algae Vertical project, which is part of the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, opens the door to the development of new food supplements and functional foods. Dunaliella salina is already approved in Europe for use in supplements, which facilitates its application in the nutrition and health market.

GreenSavers

The 1st International Congress on Algae Biotechnology is arriving soon, 9 to 11 April 2025, this event brings together a dynamic mix of researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to shape the future of algae innovation. Organized by PROALGA and GreenCoLab, this transformative event will explore groundbreaking advancements and practical applications of algae in sustainability, health, and industry. Over three action-packed days in LISPOLIS, Lisboa, attendees will delve into the latest research, discover disruptive technologies, and network with pioneers shaping the algae ecosystem.

From 23 to 26 September 2024, the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) in Brest hosted the 19th GERLI Lipidomics Meeting, organized by the Université de Bretagne Occidentale, IRD, CNRS and IFREMER. The event brought together experts in lipidomics to discuss advances in understanding the structure and function of lipids in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Subproject 1 was represented by the University of Aveiro, which presented innovative studies on the bioactive lipids of Gelidium corneum and Dunaliella salina, with potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Rita Pais and Joana Dias, as part of Subprojects SP1a and SP1b, presented posters entitled ‘Uncovering the Functional Lipidome of Dunaliella salina: Bioactive Lipids with Potential Nutraceutical Applications’ and ‘Upgrading the Lipidome of Gelidium corneum biomass and byproducts as sources of added-value lipids and bioactive ingredients’ respectively.

SP4 was present at IBERHEO 2024, the Iberian Rheology Meeting, which took place at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, co-promoter of the Algae Vertical project. Researcher Filipe Vinagre presented the poster ‘Rheology properties of gelled foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts’; on the theme ‘Polymer rheology (solutions, gels, solids, melts and composites’, an opportunity to share innovative research into the rheological properties of foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts. José Matheus also presented his work entitled ‘Analysing the Viscosity of Tomato Pulp Incorporated with Seaweed, Microalgae, and Apple Pomace for the Development of a New Product’ at this event. This biennial international event is a collaboration between the Spanish Rheology Group (GER) and the Portuguese Rheology Society (SPR). It brings together experts from all over the Iberian Peninsula to discuss the latest advances in the field.

SP5 – Aquaculture Feeds was present at the AQUA24 World Aquaculture Society Meetings, which took place from 26 to 30 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. Co-organizers Sparos, CIIMAR, CCMAR, GreenCoLab and S2AquaColab highlighted their innovative work on microalgae-based diets to increase the robustness and immunity of larvae and juveniles during times of stress.
There was also a presentation by researcher Rodrigo Mendes, from CCMAR/SPAROS, who discussed the impact of biological feeding on the performance and robustness of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
The AQUA event, co-organized by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), is one of the main platforms for exploring the latest advances in research and innovation in the aquaculture sector.

Harvesting is a fundamental stage in the production of microalgae. As part of  Necton’s Demonstration Unit, under sub-project SP1a of the AlgaeVertical project, SANI membranes have been installed and are operational. The main objective of this new infrastructure is to pre-concentrate microalgae cultures before centrifugation, reducing dehydration time and consequently improving production efficiency.

The company is pleased with this acquisition, as the amount of biomass harvested daily at Necton’s facilities has increased significantly.

Necton, leader of sub-project 1a, has installed an advanced refrigeration system. This system is part of the DEMO “more efficient and sustainable production”, which uses a chiller connected to heat exchangers to cool microalgae cultures in tubular photobioreactors when temperatures are high, avoiding the use of fresh water, a very scarce resource in the Algarve. In addition, the entire system is powered by solar energy, thus promoting more sustainable and efficient production.

This DEMO is part of a total of three that will be implemented as part of Algae Vertical’s SP1a sub-project.