Microalgae: A Key Player in Europe’s Sustainable Bioeconomy

A new review from the GeneBEcon project was published, exploring the state of microalgae production in Europe. It examines how microalgae are cultivated, processed, and used commercially, along with the regulatory barriers that shape the industry’s future.

With 146 products from 66 producers and 49 companies providing technology and services, microalgae are used in food, feed, cosmetics, and other sectors. Their production depends on biological traits, cultivation conditions, and processing technologies, with a focus on optimizing resource use and integrating industrial waste streams.

The review uncovers key factors influencing sustainable production, from biological traits and cultivation methods to industrial waste integration. Advances in genomic techniques and bioprocessing are improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, but EU regulations still present hurdles for scaling up.

Microalgae play a role in the EU’s Green Deal, supporting alternative proteins, bioplastics, biofuels, and wastewater treatment. Strategic investments in genomics, bioreactors, and bioprocessing could expand the sector further.

The full review provides a detailed analysis of the current landscape, the challenges ahead, and the developments shaping the future of microalgae production in Europe. Read more to understand the key trends and opportunities in the sector.

Read it here.

Could Microalgae Transform Poultry Feed? Discover Here!

A study from the GeneBEcon project examined the use of Chlorella vulgaris, a type of microalgae, in broiler chicken feed. Researchers tested diets with 0% to 20% microalgae and compared unprocessed biomass to biomass treated with pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to see how it affected nutrient absorption, growth, and meat characteristics.

The results showed that higher levels of C. vulgaris reduced digestibility of proteins, fats, and energy. PEF processing improved digestibility compared to unprocessed biomass by breaking down cell walls, which made nutrients easier to absorb. Increased amounts of microalgae in the feed also led to lower body weight, slower growth, and changes in meat color, with darker meat observed at higher inclusion rates.

This study highlights how microalgae and processing methods like PEF can be applied to poultry feed to meet nutritional needs and improve feed efficiency.

Read the full study here.

GeneBEcon Progress Review Meeting Held with European Commission and External Reviewer

On May 21st, 2024, GeneBEcon partners met with the European Commission and an External Reviewer to evaluate GeneBEcon’s progress and achievements. This meeting provided an opportunity to look back at the first half of the project and assess milestones reached so far. To share some of our moments during these first 18 months, we developed a video showcasing our events and research activities, including highlights from our work with microalgae and potatoes in our labs. Tomorrow, the project team will look forward to upcoming plans during the online consortium meeting.

The second System Mapping Approach (SMA) Workshop

Ilvo hosted the second System Approach Workshop. The workshop brought together multi-sectoral actors to assess the impact of New Genomique Techniques on the starch potato value chain and it’s broader system.

Sil Allaert introduced the GeneBEcon project as well as the Systems Mapping Approach and the goal of his PhD. Katrijn Van Laere explained NGT’s and the technology we will use

Event Details:

  • Date: April 17, 2024
  • Location: Ellipse Building, Room 0A11, Koning Albert II Laan 35, 1030 Brussels

Agenda Highlights:

The second Systems Mapping workshop proved the importance of engaging new perspectives to the approach. In a small setting, every participant had the opportunity to share their expertise. This led to constructive and thought-provoking discussions about the societal impacts of New Genomic Techniques, the position of science in the debate, and many other topics. Filled with new insights, the coming months will be used to further develop the Systems Maps

For more information about the workshop’s outcomes and future events, please follow GeneBEcon’s social medias and website. We appreciate the active participation and valuable contributions from all attendees and look forward to further collaboration in our upcoming workshops!

More information:

To access the agenda: Click Here!
To access ‘Mapping the System: Systems Thinking in the European Gene Editing Debate: Click Here!

See bellow some pictures from our event!

New Poultry Science Paper: ´´Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of microalga Chlorella vulgaris and its digestibility in broiler feed´´

One way to improve the bioeconomy is by adding microalgae, such as biomass, to animal feed, which can potentially enhance animal health and nutrition by releasing bioactive molecules in the intestinal tract. The digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris and its impact on the overall digestibility and biobased impact of broiler feed represent a first step in assessing its characteristics as a feed supplement. Various methods can be used to increase the digestibility of the algae. Methods such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) and freezing were assessed to disrupt autotrophic (A) and heterotrophic (H) Chlorella vulgaris cells to increase their availability and impact, followed by in vivo trials. Pulsed electric fields were shown to have disruption efficiencies of 83.90% and 79.20% for heterotrophic and autotrophic C. vulgaris, respectively, demonstrating significant biobased impact.

Read more here.