We utilise an advanced selection strategy and nanotechnology to optimise the production of microalgae as an ingredient of healthy food and a nutritional supplement.
Traditional microalgae farming has limited productivity because of a number of unfavourable conditions, such as poor seeds, low light intensity, and bacterial and insect contamination. In our project, we apply an advanced selection strategy based on florescence-activated cell sorting to optimise seed performance on growth and the yield of the target molecules. We also utilise eco-friendly nanoaggregates to improve light utilisation and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and insects.
These advanced technologies increase the yield of microalgae. We dehydrate and dry the harvested microalgae to obtain dry microalgae powder, which is then processed with adhesives to obtain tablets. During cultivation and harvest, we employ strict quality-control measures, especially on heavy metals, with the use of innovative technology. We then carry out wall breaking, extraction, purification and other processes to obtain microalgal proteins of different purity and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.
Microalgae powder, tablets, protein and PUFA have rich nutritional value and can be used as raw materials of health food, health care products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other products.
Miss Tao Danyang* (PhD student, Dept. of Chemistry, CityU)
Dr Yan Neng (Postdoc, School of Energy and Environment, CityU)
Wang Chenxun (Undergraduate student, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, CityU)
Liu Haixiang (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
* Person-in-charge
(Info based on the team's application form)
- CityU HK Tech 300 Seed Fund (2022)