Microalgae under the microscope.
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Algae's potential for aquafeed is the focus of a new research collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Scottish-American biotech firm AlgiSys, which aims to develop a sustainable, algae-based source of omega-3s for the aquaculture industry.
The partnership will explore how microalgae biomass fermentation can produce EPA-rich omega-3 oils and plant proteins as key nutrients for aquaculture feed. By using algae-derived ingredients instead of fish oil and fishmeal, the teams hope to address environmental pressures linked to overfishing and to make aquaculture feeds more sustainable.
The collaboration, which has recently been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, will see AlgiSys’ technology tested and scaled by Napier researchers at the university’s R&D laboratories.
According to the project team, the work will focus initially on creating new feed ingredients for salmon, the UK’s largest food export, but could extend to pet food, human supplements and pharmaceuticals.
“This partnership has been a long time in the making and it we are pleased to make it official," said Professor Nick Wheelhouse, Director of ENU’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health, in a press release.
“The need for a sustainable source of omega-3 and plant protein products has never been greater, so our work with AlgiSys has huge potential to overcome significant food supply challenges. While the immediate focus is on aquaculture, we believe their technology could have applications across several sectors," he added.
Dr Eve Bird, AlgiSys Director of Research & Innovation, said the company was “pleased to partner with Edinburgh Napier University”. “We see a great alignment between AlgiSys’ technology and ENU’s resources, capabilities and commitment to sustainability,” she added.