Partner offer_Algae biorefining and fermentation platform: from micro- and macroalgal biomass to food, nutraceutical and bio-based ingredients

Our group at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) develops integrated biorefinery approaches for microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae, transforming aquatic biomass into high-value ingredients for food, nutraceutical, feed, cosmetic, and bio-based applications.

Our work focuses on cascade biomass utilisation, combining environmentally friendly extraction technologies, biomass fractionation, fermentation, and advanced analytical characterisation.

Core expertise includes:

• Green extraction and fractionation using supercritical fluid, pressurised liquid, ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and enzymatic processes.

• Development and optimisation of integrated algae biorefinery schemes.

• Lactic acid fermentation of extracts, hydrolysates, and side streams to improve nutritional value, functionality, and bioactivity.

• Advanced targeted and untargeted analysis using LC-MS/MS, LC-QTOF-MS, GC×GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC platforms.

• Process optimisation through design of experiments (DoE) and statistical modelling.

• Evaluation of bioactive properties and functional ingredient development.

What we can contribute

• Laboratory- and semi-pilot scale process development and optimisation.

• Biomass fractionation and extraction protocol development.

• Fermentation and biotransformation studies.

• Comprehensive chemical and functional characterisation.

• Development of ingredient prototypes for validation by industrial partners.

• Leadership of technical tasks and work packages related to biomass valorisation, biorefinery processing, and analytical characterisation.

Partners sought

We are interested in collaborating with:

• Horizon Europe coordinators and consortium builders.

• Algae, seaweed, and aquaculture producers.

• Pilot-scale and demonstration facilities.

• Food, feed, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and bio-based industry partners.

• LCA, sustainability assessment, and techno-economic analysis experts.

• Organisations working on circular bioeconomy and blue biotechnology solutions.