PROALGAE: Production of Alternative Proteins from Microalgae in a Circular Economy

PROALGAE addresses both the bioremediation of agri-food by-products/effluents (decontamination through bioprocesses) and the production of valuable biomass for the preparation of food and feed through algae-based processes. The ultimate goal is to recover nutrients from agri-food by-products to create new protein sources, closing the loop of the agri-food sector within a circular economy approach.
The project scope includes evaluating the feasibility of cultivating microalgae in specific agri-food by-products, characterising the produced biomass, and assessing its application as food and feed. Environmental sustainability will also be evaluated, and potential production will be estimated under future scenarios.

The project is divided into two subprojects:

• The first, led by the GEMMA group at UPC, focuses on nutrient recovery from freshwater agri-food effluents (specifically from the brewing industry) using microalgae cultures. It aims to optimise protein content and enhance the organoleptic properties of the microalgae. It also involves developing protein-rich biscuits using microalgae biomass as an ingredient, with their sensory and nutritional quality evaluated. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of economic, environmental, and social sustainability will be conducted to ensure feasibility.
• The second, led by the Environmental Engineering Group (GIA) at the University of Cantabria, focuses on cultivating microalgae in agri-food effluents for animal feed production. It addresses the bioremediation of high-salinity agri-food by-products (such as whey and aquaculture effluents) using microalgae, defining optimal cultivation conditions. A mathematical model will also be developed to simulate microalgae growth in industrial scenarios, and the impact of alternative proteins derived from these microalgae on fish growth and composition in aquaculture systems will be assessed.

Through PROALGAE, reliance on conventional proteins is expected to decrease by up to 30% by using microalgae grown in effluents, leading to more sustainable and efficient production with benefits for both the environment and the food and feed industries.

The project spans three years (September 2023 – August 2026) with a budget of €277,035. It is funded by the Spanish Research Agency through the State Programme for R&D&I of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, with additional funds of the European Union from the Next Generation EU programme.