This research project has a total of 15 deliverables, divided between three Work Packages as follows:
Work package 1 (WP1): Optimization of microalgae biomass production – Laboratory-scale research
Microalgae cultivation protocols.
Optimal growing conditions.
Biomass characterization and thorough lipid analysis with emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.
Biomass characterization and thorough analysis of pigments and proteins.
Dissemination of WP1 results on the project website.
Oral or poster presentation at an international conference or publication of a scientific paper on the results of WP1 in a peer-reviewed journal.
Work package 2 (WP2): Operation of a pilot-scale unit – Mass production of microalgal biomass in the pilot-scale unit – Optimization of the pilot-scale unit’s operation
Report containing the description of the pilot-scale unit and its operation. Kinetics of selected microalgae growth.
Data on the biomass and lipid productivity of the microalgae to be cultured in the pilot unit.
Characterization of biomass produced in the pilot-scale reactor and thorough lipid analysis with emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.
Characterization of biomass produced in the pilot-scale reactor and thorough analysis of proteins, amino acids and pigments.
Protocol of biomass processing in the pilot-scale unit using: a) chemical hydrolysis in an acidic or alkaline environment, b) enzymatically (using cytolytic and other hydrolytic enzymes), c) using ultrasound to decompose the cellulose contained in cell walls.
Work package 3 (WP3): Preparation of new fish feeds incorporating microalgal biomass and their application in seabass aquaculture
Production of experimental fish feeds that incorporate microalgal biomass.
Trial feeding of aquacultured seabass with new feeds.
Report on the growth and health of seabass fed with the experimental fish feeds.
Oral or poster presentation at an international conference and/or publication of a scientific paper on the results of WP2 and WP3 in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Deliverables
This research project has a total of 15 deliverables, divided between three Work Packages as follows:
Work package 1 (WP1): Optimization of microalgae biomass production – Laboratory-scale research
Work package 2 (WP2): Operation of a pilot-scale unit – Mass production of microalgal biomass in the pilot-scale unit – Optimization of the pilot-scale unit’s operation
Work package 3 (WP3): Preparation of new fish feeds incorporating microalgal biomass and their application in seabass aquaculture