ProteAlgaFeed - Nova estratégia de cultivo sustentável de microalgas para obtenção de biomassa rica em proteína com baixo custo de produção

The aim of the project is the efficient cultivation of microalgae Chlorella sp. in a bioreactor to obtain biomass rich in protein, without chlorophyll, yellow in color and with a pleasant taste for animal feed. Currently, microalgae biomass still has high production costs, so more research is needed to make it an accessible renewable resource. In this project, three strategies are used to reduce production costs while maintaining a high yield in microalgal biomass: 1) conversion of agro-industrial residues as a low-cost cultivation medium, 2) recycling of the cultivation means after harvest to minimize the consumption of water and 3) use of a prototype photobioreactor with high photosynthetic efficiency to capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The use of agro-industrial residues is one of the main innovations of this project. The operation of the bioreactor will be studied in order to optimize productivity in biomass by varying the experimental conditions, feeding mode and water recycling, which will include connecting it to a prototype photobioreactor to capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen, reintroduced in the bioreactor, further benefiting productivity. The protein-rich microalgae biomass will be tested in a diet suitable for animal feed, as an alternative to soy used in the feed of livestock animals, obtained in a sustainable production and available throughout the seasons.