Sustainable innovations: the biorefinery revolution via macroalgae valorization using renewable solvents towards a (green/blue) economy

• Grant number: 23/16744-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Mendes de Souza Mesquita
• Grantee: Leonardo Mendes de Souza Mesquita
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: André Rolim Baby ; Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy ; Fanly Fungyi Chow Ho ; Herminia Dominguez ; Leslie Boudesocque-Delaye ; Tiago Fiorini da Silva
• Associated research grant(s): 25/05803-1 - Multi-user equipment in grant 2023/16744-0: Ethos X Package for environmental samples - extraction, 230V-60Hz, AP.EMU; 25/05808-3 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2023/16744-0: solvent accelerated extractor Dionex ASE 350, AP.EMU
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/01561-3 - Sustainable Innovations: The Biorefinery Revolution via Macroalgae Valorization Using Renewable Solvents towards a (Green/Blue)Economy, BP.JP

Abstract

Inspired by the blue economy concept, a globally competitive research avenue centered on the sustainable utilization of macroalgae biomass is emerging. This study will pioneer the utilization of innovative alternative solvents such as eutectic solvents (DES) and eco-friendly alternatives to establish green biorefineries for processing seaweeds. Rather than fixating on singular compounds, this initiative will prioritize comprehensive extraction methodologies, seeking to recover a high-spectrum of valuable bioactive extracts, including those rich in pigments (like carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phycobiliproteins), phenolic compounds, mycosporine-like amino acids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids. The central emphasis is on adopting cutting-edge, comprehensive methodologies like microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE) to significantly increase both the yield and purity of the extracted bioactive compounds. Moreover, these techniques are encouraged to reduce solvent usage and minimize procedure duration. Combining eutectic solvents with modern techniques will enable the implementation of a multiproduct green biorefinery approach, contributing toward a holistic (green +blue)economy. The synergy between algae extracts obtained using DES offers a promising opportunity to innovate across multiple domains, such as cosmetics, foods, textiles, coatings, natural colorants, and biochar. By integrating DES-derived extracts into various prototypes, these solvents serve not only as efficient extractors but also as potent additives for novel products and new ideas. This holistic approach maximizes the potential set of applications of algal biomass, elevating the efficacy of prototypes by enhancing both their technological and biological performance. The project proposes to establish the inaugural research group at the Botany Department (Institute of Biosciences, USP) focused on creating sustainable biorefinery processes for extracting bioactive materials from macroalgae, which will not only complement the ongoing efforts at the "Édison José de Paula" Laboratory of Marine Algae (USP), predominantly focuses on taxonomic and biological aspects, but also will share this expertise with other groups primarily engaged in traditional phytochemistry studies. Thus, this collaboration presents a win-win relationship, mainly regarding the utilization of eutectic solvents in various types of botanical biomasses. (AU)