Award details

PHYCONET: unlocking the IB potential of microalgae

Reference	BB/L013789/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Saul Purton
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Michele Stanley
Institution	University College London
Department	Structural Molecular Biology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	562,418
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/01/2014
End date	31/12/2018
Duration	60 months

Abstract

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms that have considerable potential as industrial biotechnology (IB) platforms for a wide range of natural and engineered bio-products, from bioplastics and biofuels to high value bioactives. Moreover, cultivation in closed photobioreactors offers an attractive low-carbon alternative to existing heterotrophic technologies. However, microalgal IB is an immature field that requires step-changing advances in algal biology, genetic engineering, cultivation at scale and downstream processing. Currently, considerable research and development is occurring in countries such as the US and China, and several European countries, as is evident from $m investments and the many start-up companies. In contrast, although the UK has a strong academic base in algal biosciences, and a number of UK SMEs are currently exploring commercial opportunities in the sector, the research is currently under-resourced and not optimally coordinated. Essential underpinning is needed to create a competitive algal IB presence in the UK, and attract investment from major companies. The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities. The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.

Summary

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms that have considerable potential as industrial biotechnology (IB) platforms for a wide range of natural and engineered bio-products, from bioplastics and biofuels to high value bioactives. Moreover, cultivation in closed photobioreactors offers an attractive low-carbon alternative to existing heterotrophic technologies. However, microalgal IB is an immature field that requires step-changing advances in algal biology, genetic engineering, cultivation at scale and downstream processing. Currently, considerable research and development is occurring in countries such as the US and China, and several European countries, as is evident from $m investments and the many start-up companies. In contrast, although the UK has a strong academic base in algal biosciences, and a number of UK SMEs are currently exploring commercial opportunities in the sector, the research is currently under-resourced and not optimally coordinated. Essential underpinning is needed to create a competitive algal IB presence in the UK, and attract investment from major companies. The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities. The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance of this new IB sector will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.

Impact Summary

There is considerable interest in the UK and indeed worldwide in developing an algal industrial biotechnology (IB) sector, both at the level of policy makers and research funders, but also industry. However, because exploitation is at such an early stage, there needs to be some form of proven platform technology before industry would feel confident about moving into the area. Through the PHYCONET network we to aim to to tackle this issue head on, by creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. This will benefit a wide range of IB sectors that have interest in natural bio-products, including the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, comestics, food and biofuel industries. Government and Public Bodies will also benefit, since the outputs of the network can have an impact on several pressing current issues: building the knowledge economy will lead to inward investment and wealth creation, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, improve security of food and materials, and contribute to enhanced nutrition. The outreach activities aim to increase awareness of the public on issues of natural products and the bio-based economy, energy, food and material security, and how the development of IB and a knowledge economy can benefit the UK. This will encourage pupils to adopt a career in science and technology, and policy makers to promote research investment into the microalgal IB sector.

Committee	Research Committee B (Plants, microbes, food & sustainability)
Research Topics	Industrial Biotechnology, Plant Science
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (NIBB) [2013]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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