HORIZON 2020 - Making the most of microalgae

What could be the next new super crop? How about microalgae? An EU-funded project is developing technology to grow and use these single-celled plants. Already used in health-food supplements, the crop has potential to green existing industries and develop new ones.

Related topics

Innovation Bio-based Industries Bio-economy Belgium Germany Greece Netherlands Portugal Spain Norway Chile

date: 19/05/2016

Project: Multi-product Integrated bioRefinery of ...

acronym: MIRACLES

See also: CORDIS

High in oils, protein and other valuable compounds, such as antioxidants and enzymes, microalgae grow in water in large concentrations using few resources. They have potential for many industries, but so far their main commercial use is in health products such as Spirulina and Chlorella supplements, aquaculture and cosmetics. Only 9 200 tonnes are farmed annually worldwide for food and feed, according to the EU’s Joint Research Centre – a tiny fraction of the potential harvest.

Read more