Harnessing the capacity of aquatic microbes
Algal biotechnology is a new and growing business sector with applications in such diverse areas as second generation biofuels, carbon dioxide capture, waste water remediation and natural products manufacture (eg, omega-3 oils, pigments, antioxidants).
Algal biotechnology has recently received widespread press coverage, including global interest in algae-based aviation fuels by aircraft manufacturers / operators and the recent announcement by the UK Carbon Trust of a mult-million £ “Algal Biofuels Challenge”. Business opportunities exist across a wide range of sectors, including materials and equipment suppliers (eg, plastics, corrosion-resistant metals, pumps, sensors), ICT, process engineering, food and feed manufacturers, and health and wellbeing suppliers.
CSAR services in algal biotechnology
The Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research, CSAR, based at Swansea University offers research and technological development expertise to businesses wishing to engage in this technology area. Our areas of expertise encompass:
- Microalgae strain library
- Water quality control technologies
- Modelling to optimise process design and operation
- Harvesting, concentration and separation technologies
- Physical and chemical characterisation of products
- Screening for bioactive properties
- Materials testing
- Development and evaluation of feed additives
Services to business are offered by a range of means, including publicly assisted collaborative projects, 1-to-1 commercial service agreements, and tailored training programmes.
Also check out our algae KTC (Knowledge Transfer Centre) website at www.algaektc.com
Networking
With support from the Welsh Assembly Government (Academic Expertise for Business programme), CSAR is currently developing a business-academia network in Wales to promote collaboration and mutual benefit in this technology area.
Click to download a copy of the new Technology Review and Roadmap for Microalgal Biotechnology in Wales
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