Bioproducts from microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass as new agricultural inputs

• Grant number: 24/07649-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Kelly Afonsina Fernandes
• Grantee: Kelly Afonsina Fernandes
• Company: Cyanochem Serviços de Apoio Administrativo Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de produtos químicos orgânicos não especificados anteriormente ; Coleta de resíduos não-perigosos ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Piracicaba
• Pesquisadores principais: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Associated researchers: Marli de Fátima Fiore
• Associated research grant: 22/11282-6 - Bioproducts from microalgae and cyanobacterial biomass as new agricultural inputs and food supplements: a sustainable approach, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/03301-9 - Assistance in laboratory and field activities to optimize the technological processes outlined in the project, BP.TT; 24/19516-1 - Laboratory activity execution and project management to maximize financial resources and planned technological processes, BP.TT; 24/19440-5 - Bioproducts from microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass as new agricultural inputs, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The increase in nutrients (artificial eutrophication), especially phosphates and nitrogen compounds, in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in lentic systems, provides a favorable environment for the excessive growth of aquatic plants and phytoplankton (algae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria). The excess of phytoplankton and plant matter in water bodies not only triggers a chain reaction leading to ecological imbalance and alterations in the physical-chemical characteristics of the water but also, upon decomposition, releases significant quantities of gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Additionally, certain species of cyanobacteria can release toxic compounds during bloom events, leading to poisoning or even death of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including humans.Recent research indicates that more than 40% of the planet's water bodies are eutrophicated, and predicts that climate change will further accelerate the eutrophication of rivers and lakes globally. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to implement coordinated policies and actions by society, public authorities, and private companies to ensure the preservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. In Brazil, water treatment stations (ETAs), hydroelectric plants (UHE), and companies that utilize water as an input have invested in technological resources and chemical treatments to ensure water quality and prevent the proliferation of cyanobacteria/microalgae. However, blooms are frequent, and addressing them poses a significant technical, economic, and environmental challenge for these companies, particularly during seasons of the year characterized by increased temperature, intensified solar radiation, and changes in rainfall patterns that favor the development and accumulation of these microorganisms in water bodies.Recognizing this technical challenge and understanding the dynamics of cyanobacteria/microalgae blooms, CyanoChem Environmental Solutions has invested in technology and innovation with the aim of adopting sustainable practices that mitigate the impacts of eutrophication, from a green economy perspective. Our solution entails collecting microalgal biomass from environments and utilizing technologies to convert it into value-added agricultural inputs. The utilization of microalgal by-products is already prevalent in the international market within the food, pharmaceutical, and agro-industrial sectors. However, the use of microorganism biomass is nearly absent in the Brazilian context.Our proposal aims to demonstrate technical feasibility through strategic research and the refinement of methods to (i) collect microalgal biomass from eutrophicated environments, (ii) identify compounds with biotechnological potential, (iii) enhance techniques for selecting bioactive substances of high commercial value (macro and micronutrients) for soils, plants, and animal feed, and (iv) assess the quality and safety of biomass as a raw material for bioproduct development. Our R&D project aligns with at least six of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) supported by the United Nations (UN) in Brazil, namely: SDGs 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. Furthermore, microalgal biomass sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, thus our activities are also pertinent to clean energy and potential utilization as carbon credits. (AU)