The D-factory project based on the halotolerant microalga, Dunaliella, is on target to become the epitome of a modern sustainable biorefinery where nothing leaves without an invoice. The blueprint integrates technologies, algal strains and cultivation conditions for multiple products:
- Natural carotenoid isomers for treating atherosclerosis, diabetes, psoriasis and ophthalmologic diseases;
- Preparations with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and cytotoxic activity;
- Natural food colorants to replace synthetic;
- Algal by-products – proteins, carbohydrates and lipids – which are under test in chick and fish feeds, but which have also given positive acceptance results as food additives in bread and fish sausage;
- Glycerol, produced under conditions of high salt by algae which can now be harvested intact using Evodos spiral plate technology.
Process effluent from algal culture is reused in the biorefinery, and solvents from processing, recycled. And with Monzon Biotech, we demonstrate further integration of resources for all-year cultivation of algae in Europe: use of onsite heat and flue gas from natural gas combustion in a power plant, and predator-free salt brine from an adjoining salt industry. Ultimately the D-Factory biorefinery hopes to implement a fully integrated, maximally efficient value chain, once legislative requirements for each new market have been met and customers identified.
Project website: www.d-factoryalgae.eu
