SP7 | Algae Cooking Workshop: “Algas no Menu”

GreenCoLab, in partnership with Chef Leonel Pereira from Restaurant CheckIn in Faro, continues to develop initiatives under the “Algae on the Menu” project to disseminate SP7 and the SP4b sub-project.

On World Algae Day and World Food Day, two more “Algae on the Menu” creative culinary workshops were held with participants from different backgrounds and interests.

In this interactive workshop, participants learned about the nutritional benefits of seaweed and its versatility in the kitchen. The activity began with a brief introduction to the different types of edible algae and their unique properties. Next, the participants were encouraged to get their hands dirty, preparing their culinary creations in groups, under the guidance of the chef.

At the end, there was a collective tasting to share and enjoy the dishes prepared, promoting an exchange of experiences and flavors.

19th GERLI Lipidomics Meeting | Universidade de Aveiro

From 23 to 26 September 2024, the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) in Brest hosted the 19th GERLI Lipidomics Meeting, organized by the Université de Bretagne Occidentale, IRD, CNRS and IFREMER. The event brought together experts in lipidomics to discuss advances in understanding the structure and function of lipids in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Subproject 1 was represented by the University of Aveiro, which presented innovative studies on the bioactive lipids of Gelidium corneum and Dunaliella salina, with potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Rita Pais and Joana Dias, as part of Subprojects SP1a and SP1b, presented posters entitled ‘Uncovering the Functional Lipidome of Dunaliella salina: Bioactive Lipids with Potential Nutraceutical Applications’ and ‘Upgrading the Lipidome of Gelidium corneum biomass and byproducts as sources of added-value lipids and bioactive ingredients’ respectively.

SP4 | Innovative Advances in Rheology: Exploring Macroalgae Extracts and Sustainable Food Solutions at IBERHEO 2024

SP4 was present at IBERHEO 2024, the Iberian Rheology Meeting, which took place at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, co-promoter of the Algae Vertical project. Researcher Filipe Vinagre presented the poster ‘Rheology properties of gelled foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts’; on the theme ‘Polymer rheology (solutions, gels, solids, melts and composites’, an opportunity to share innovative research into the rheological properties of foods based on Atlantic macroalgae extracts. José Matheus also presented his work entitled ‘Analysing the Viscosity of Tomato Pulp Incorporated with Seaweed, Microalgae, and Apple Pomace for the Development of a New Product’ at this event. This biennial international event is a collaboration between the Spanish Rheology Group (GER) and the Portuguese Rheology Society (SPR). It brings together experts from all over the Iberian Peninsula to discuss the latest advances in the field.

Innovation in Aquaculture: SP5 Promoters Highlight Microalgae Diets at AQUA24 in Copenhagen

SP5 – Aquaculture Feeds was present at the AQUA24 World Aquaculture Society Meetings, which took place from 26 to 30 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. Co-organizers Sparos, CIIMAR, CCMAR, GreenCoLab and S2AquaColab highlighted their innovative work on microalgae-based diets to increase the robustness and immunity of larvae and juveniles during times of stress.
There was also a presentation by researcher Rodrigo Mendes, from CCMAR/SPAROS, who discussed the impact of biological feeding on the performance and robustness of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
The AQUA event, co-organized by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), is one of the main platforms for exploring the latest advances in research and innovation in the aquaculture sector.

 

Necton installs SANI membranes to improve microalgae harvesting

Harvesting is a fundamental stage in the production of microalgae. As part of  Necton’s Demonstration Unit, under sub-project SP1a of the AlgaeVertical project, SANI membranes have been installed and are operational. The main objective of this new infrastructure is to pre-concentrate microalgae cultures before centrifugation, reducing dehydration time and consequently improving production efficiency.

The company is pleased with this acquisition, as the amount of biomass harvested daily at Necton’s facilities has increased significantly.

Necton at the forefront of sustainable microalgae production

Necton, leader of sub-project 1a, has installed an advanced refrigeration system. This system is part of the DEMO “more efficient and sustainable production”, which uses a chiller connected to heat exchangers to cool microalgae cultures in tubular photobioreactors when temperatures are high, avoiding the use of fresh water, a very scarce resource in the Algarve. In addition, the entire system is powered by solar energy, thus promoting more sustainable and efficient production.

This DEMO is part of a total of three that will be implemented as part of Algae Vertical’s SP1a sub-project.

CIIMAR is part of the ICNPR2024 panel in Kraków, Poland

Researchers from CIIMAR took part in the International Congress on Natural Products (ICNPR2024) held in Kraków, Poland, from 13 to 17 July. As part of sub-project 1a, they presented  “Novel health potential of isomers of 132-hydroxypheophytin a from Arthrospira platensis“, a presentation that identifies the most bioactive compounds in Spirulina for obesity.

The congress brought together experts and researchers from all over the world to share their latest discoveries and debate the latest developments in natural products research.

90 seconds of science – Podcast – Antena 1 | Hugo Pereira of GreenCoLab explains the mission of Algae Vertical

Hugo Pereira General Manager of GreenCoLab, a collaborative laboratory located at the University of Algarve, which is part of several Algae Vertical sub-projects, explained the mission of this innovative project in the algae industry, on Antena 1 – RTP  “90 seconds of science” podcast. The episode entitled “At the University of the Algarve, a group of researchers is trying to valorise the algae sector by improving its sustainability” is available here.

Transversal | ISAP – 8º Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology

From 16 to 21 June, the 8th Congress of the International Society of Applied Physiology (ISAP) took place in Porto This year’s theme was “Algae 2030: Opportunities and Challenges”, and the Algae Vertical project was represented by several sub-project co-promoters, including GreenCoLAb, the University of Aveiro, ALGAplus, the University of Minho, CIIMAR and CCMAR. During the event, several posters and presentations showcasing the work carried out under the Algae Vertical project were highlighted. Algae Vertical presented significant results related to the production of micro and macroalgae, microbiome, biorefinery, among other topics.

The ISAP congress is an essential platform for researchers and students in the field of algae, providing a favourable environment for participation in forums, thematic discussions, the exchange of ideas and the creation of new networks, which are fundamental for the future of the participants.

 

University of Minho at the International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBB), Florida

The International Conference on Algae Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBB) took place in Florida, from 10 to 12 June, and the University of Minho represented SP1a with a presentation on Pavlova gyrans. Entitled “Pavlova gyrans as a promising and sustainable source of carotenoids – optimisation of the main growth parameters”, this presentation highlighted the value of microalgae as a source of bioactive compounds.

In 2024, the conference addressed emerging technologies in algae research, including microalgae, macroalgae and cyanobacteria. Topics included synthetic biology, molecular biotechnology, biomass production, cultivation, harvesting, extraction and biorefinery.