SCALE Project reveals its 1st Video for the 1st EU Algae Summit

The SCALE project proudly unveiled its first official video at the inaugural EU Algae Awareness Summit in Paris on October 5th. This unprecedented event serves as a platform to enlighten EU Member States’ administrations and the general public about the various benefits that algae can contribute to national and regional economies, as well as to the restoration of our oceans. The three-day summit witnessed the active participation of project coordinator Microphyt, who engaged in insightful discussions on the critical role of microalgae in addressing global challenges.

 

 

The project’s official video, a dynamic motion design presentation, offers a comprehensive overview of the SCALE project, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing microalgae development in Europe. The video showcases the Scale project’s applications, impacts, and the collaborative consortium at the heart of its success. It was published on Scale’s website and social media and has also been continuously looping on screens at the EU Algae Summit.

 

 

 

 

At the heart of the SCALE project is a visionary approach to tackle challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth. Recognizing the need for sustainable ingredient production to meet the demands of consumers, SCALE looks to the oceans for innovative solutions. Microalgae, a highly promising source of aquatic biomass, presents itself as a key player in addressing these challenges, finding applications in nutrition, well-being, and beyond.

However, despite their immense potential, only a fraction of microalgae species is currently produced globally. Enter the cutting-edge CAMARGUE photobioreactor technology, developed and patented by Microphyt. This technology propels the SCALE project toward large-scale production of a diverse range of microalgae species, opening up new possibilities for applications in food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetics.

The video showcases how the SCALE project aims to build and operate a flagship plant, pioneering the large-scale production of high-nutritional-value ingredients derived from untapped microalgae diversity. This revolutionary step is made possible by the transfer of CAMARGUE photobioreactor technology from demonstration to an industrial plant, signaling a leap forward in the sustainable production of diverse ingredients.

Supported by the  BBI JU program, the SCALE project brings together a consortium of 11 partners, forming an integrated value chain from microalgae production to end-use applications. The collaborative effort aims not only to diversify ingredients but also to achieve large-scale production, thereby addressing the pressing needs of a growing global population.

 

Interested by the project? Follow the SCALE project’s LinkedIn page to stay tuned to its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

SCALE 2nd General Assembly: Key progress and highlights

The SCALE project held its 2nd General Meeting on the 28th and 29th of June 2023 in Baillargues (France) on Microphyt’s premises. This event was the opportunity for all project partners to observe the plant construction advancements and to exchange on the project’s progress to prepare the next steps. To know more about it, check the content below!

 

Plant construction advancements

The construction of the flagship plant has advanced successfully. The Part A of the industrial plant has been completed, increasing the microalgae cultivation capacity of Microphyt to 243m3. Additionally, the downstream process (DSP) for ingredient production is now fully operational. In 2022, work on the box structure continued, with equipment being installed within it.
Evolys, a technology provider partner, was deeply involved this year by providing LED design, ensuring efficient energy consumption and optimal conditions for the culture. Sunti has conducted an energy diagnosis, resulting in improved energy efficiency. As part of this, a photovoltaic (PV) panel system has been designed to be deployed on the roof of the SCALE plant. A 300KWC solar PV will be installed by the end of the year 2023.

 

Ingredient formulation for various applications advancements

Significant progress was made by MICROPHYT R&D & Products Team together with the 4 industrial partners for the development on the targeted applications of the Scale project: cosmetics, food, food supplements, and feed.
Regarding the use of Microphyt cosmetic bioactive ingredients, these are tested by Chanel Perfume & Beauty. To do this, Chanel Perfume & Beauty evaluates various parameters such as regulatory aspects, stability through the integration of Microphyt ingredients into their makeup and skincare products, safety and effectiveness through specific studies. Chanel have worked intensely on those steps and is evaluating four bioactive ingredients.
For the food application, the objective is to increase microalgae awareness, acceptability, and integration in food, through innovative nutrition. The first step of the LYFE Institute  partner (formerly named Paul Bocuse Institute Research Centre) was to study the European consumers perception of microalgae in food. In addition to social networks, a survey was carried out among consumers, star chefs in the gastronomy and professionals in food industry across Europe. The results were presented in April in Lisbon at the European Algae Industry Summit.
On the food supplements products, firstly with Plameca and then with Hedelab, significant work has been done on the galenic formulation of the various Microphyt ingredients (BrainPhyt™, GamePhyt™,…) in order to meet the expectations and requirements of this specific market. (liquid shots, monolayer tablets, capsules, …).
Lastly, Lallemand Animal Nutrition for feed application has identified good opportunities to valorize Microphyt’s coproducts and made important progress in assessing the efficiency of coproducts for various target species. The next steps will involve testing the efficacy of these coproducts on other animals, to evaluate their potential benefits and ensure optimal presentation.
In parallel, the LCSA activities has started to provide a holistic view of the sustainability of SCALE value chains. To do so, the first task implemented by Tecnalia was to collect and gather the necessary data from the relevant partners, mainly related to the production phases of the microalgae-based ingredients.
Bioeconomy For Change and PNO Consultants continue to work respectively on implementing the communication and dissemination to promote the project and its developments. The preparation of the exploitation phase for the delivery of the ingredients in high-volume thanks to the upscale of the plant is on going.

 

Launch of new microalgae-based ingredients

Microphyt has launched, in the last 12 months, 3 new bioactive ingredients on the market: 2 for Advanced Beauty and 1 for Novel Nutrition. Last part of the General Assembly was the opportunity for the Marketing team to present them to all the project partners who were gifted with some cosmetic end-product prototypes.
PhycoAge™ and PhycoSi™, the two new cosmetic bioactive ingredients, offer new solutions and unique benefits for the beauty industry.  PhycoAge™, is specifically formulated to address anti-ageing concerns. Microphyt relied on its expertise in microalgae and in particular its over 10 years of knowledge of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a species with little-known anti-aging properties linked to its eternal youth heritage. This 3-in-1 anti-aging ingredient contains, among others, two powerful marine compounds: fucoxanthin and EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid), which are capable of regulating cell communication and reactivating the synthesis of essential elements for a firmer and lifted skin.
Always looking for more sustainable solutions, Microphyt’s R&D team successfully developed a process allowing the reuse of PhycoAge™ manufacturing co-product and thus valorize a new fraction of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum: silicium, an essential element of its wall allowing it to form a protective barrier against the external environment. As such, Microphyt came up with PhycoSi™, an upcycled bioactive ingredient containing bioavailable marine silicium, which recharges the dermis in depth and restores the skin on the surface and stands out as a fundamental skin reviver.
The new nutraceutical bioactive ingredient, called GamePhyt™ is an innovative ingredient specifically designed to boost cognitive performance. It is the first 100% natural bioactive complex clinically studied on experienced gamers with high cognitive abilities. This unique and patented ingredient is a smart combination of a microalgae extract and a botanical extract, specifically formulated to support the daily cognitive needs in a stressful environment. Indeed, it aims to enhance various aspects of cognitive performance, including: accuracy, reaction time, focus, decision making, processing speed, mental energy and has even proven to support quality of life parameters such as mood, sleep quality and visual comfort.  This ingredient is backed by extensive research and efficacy studies, including pre-clinical and clinical trials, to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Stay tuned to Scale’s to be updated on the project in the forthcoming months that will be full of events!

 

Unlocking the Potential of Microalgae: A Look at Their Benefits and Applications

Microalgae are an ideal solution when it comes to meeting environmental challenges and consumers’ high expectations in terms of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Here’s an overview of the benefits of these super ingredients.

 

As the world’s population grows and the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels becomes more pressing, microalgae are emerging as a viable alternative. Microalgae were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, creating oxygen through photosynthesis and laying the foundation for all plant life on our planet. These microscopic marine organisms are now being researched for their potential in multiple fields, including nutrition, environmental science, well-being and cosmetics. With their ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, high nutritional value, and potential for industrial applications, microalgae are becoming a promising solution for a sustainable blue future. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of microalgae and how they can be integrated into our daily lives.

 

The Environmental Benefits of Microalgae: A Promising Solution for Sustainable Development

The environmental benefits of microalgae are numerous and particularly promising in terms of sustainable agriculture. One of the most significant advantages of microalgae is their high biomass yield and their ability to grow quickly. As a result, they can produce more protein using less time and resources, as well as less land, water, and other inputs, compared to traditional crops and livestock. Microalgae have been found to be capable of producing more than twice the amount of protein contained in soya beans. Furthermore, microalgae can be grown in various locations, including areas that are unsuitable for traditional crops, such as deserts and arid regions, without competing with other crops for land. As a result, microalgae-based systems can help reduce pressure on natural resources, minimize land use, and promote sustainable agriculture. Microalgae, through the process of photosynthesis, utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, enabling their growth and development. This ability of microalgae to fix high quantity of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere offers significant environmental benefits, making them a promising resource for mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the high biomass yield and efficiency of microalgae make them an excellent solution for addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today, and they have the potential to play a significant role in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

 

The Nutritional Benefits of Microalgae: A Promising Future for the Food Industry

Microalgae are often referred to as « superfoods » due to their exceptional nutritional profile. First step in the aquatic food chain, their strength lies in their capacity to naturally generate and concentrate a significant number of active compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, trace minerals (such as copper, iron, and zinc), mineral salts, carotenoids, and additional antioxidants. More importantly, microalgae are a rich source of protein, with some species containing up to 70% protein by weight. This high protein content makes microalgae a particularly valuable source of nutrition for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to meet their protein requirements through a plant-based diet. Furthermore, microalgae are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing oxidative stress, and improving brain function.  These fatty acids are originally synthesized by microalgae and typically found in fish oil via the food chain. In addition, microalgae offer an incredible source of bioactive molecules, providing high-value nutritional ingredients with powerful benefits for health and well-being. For instance, Fucoxanthin is a molecule found naturally in some algae and microalgae, such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This pigment from the carotenoid family is a powerful antioxidant which protects the body’s cells from free radicals and therefore also from the effects of aging. Microalgae are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, making them a valuable component of a healthy, balanced diet and offer a more sustainable, plant-based alternative.

Thanks to their benefits, microalgae can diversify the sector of food supplements in many segments such as cognition, sports nutrition, weight management, joint health, digestive comfort and overall immunity, providing safe products with nutritional and health benefits for the end user.

Microalgae also show great promise in the field of animal nutrition. The need for protein sources for livestock, especially for aquaculture, is a major environmental concern. The traditional sources of protein for animal feed are often associated with resource-intensive production processes that can result in deforestation, habitat loss, and overfishing. Microalgae represent a promising sustainable solution to replace a portion of the current livestock feed, which predominantly comprises animal meal, along with vegetable meal.

 

Beyond Nutrition: The Many Benefits of Microalgae

The unique properties of microalgae make them a versatile and sustainable source of raw materials for a range of applications in various industries. One of the most significant and fastest-growing sectors is the cosmetics industry, where microalgae-derived ingredients are increasingly used in skin and hair care products. Microalgae, due to the specific active compounds they contain, make it possible to open new territories of innovation and demonstrate their remarkable potential for various activities: anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, reshaping, firming, moisturizing, skin protection properties and so on. While it is still an evolving area that requires further research, microalgae also exhibit potential across various sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, the wastewater treatment sector, the field of biofertilizers, and the biomaterials industry. Overall, the diverse applications of microalgae highlight their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and healthier future.

 

The SCALE Project’s Role in Unlocking the Full Potential of Microalgae

Although microalgae offer numerous benefits, their cultivation is a relatively new field, and further research and development are needed to fully harness their potential. Currently, there are only a handful of species being produced on a large scale for various industries, and there is no industrial production site that efficiently utilizes the exceptional biodiversity of microalgae that are readily available to transform them into natural ingredients. However, the SCALE project aims to address this gap by building and operating a the first-fully integrated biorefinery that utilizes the untapped diversity of microalgae to produce high-value ingredients for the food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetics sectors. This initiative aims to establish economically-sound and environmentally-friendly processes to promote the use of microalgae in various industries. To achieve this goal, the SCALE project gathers 11 key EU and international partners in an integrated value chain from microalgae production to high value ingredients extraction of bioactives compounds and end-use applications in food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetic domains.

 

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