ABASCUS

Problem statement

Creating sustainable valuable compounds from microalgae-based biomass

Executive summary

The ABASCUS (Algae for biomass applied to the production of added value compounds) project has been designed to synthesize a range of new molecules, in the terpenoid family, from microalgae that will help bring competitive products to the market. The commercialization of high value compounds sourced from microalgae could grow the existing industry considerably, while product innovation based on new molecular targets and biorefinery schemes could open new markets

Value chain description

ABASCUS aims to produce high value compounds (terpenes and carotenoid) to bring competitive, innovative algae-based ingredients to the fragrance, nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. The project encompasses the key steps, from strain selection, to process development, automation of photobioreactors and product formulation. In a quest for commercialization of algae value chain, with a special emphasis on production of metabolites (terpenes and carotenoids) for nutraceutical and cosmetic application.

Market deployment considerations

The global carotenoids market size was valued at USD 1,875 Mn in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 3,402 Mn by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. The global Terpenes market was valued at USD 610 million in 2020 and it is expected to reach USD 940.7 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2021-2027

Environmental considerations

Reducing footprint on land as it is cultivated on seawater, also it is proposed to be green extraction methodology avoiding use of harsh chemicals.

Social Considerations

Collaboration with hemp farmers and Danish Agro (agro-cooperative) helps to provide new alternative markets for suppliers.

Stakeholders Involved

Algae suppliers, Technology providers and End users (cosmetic, pharmaceutical industry)

Feedstock used

Marine micro/macrolage

TRL

7

Value Chain name

Abascus

Type of process

Fractionation followed by biochemical extraction (Pressurized liquid extraction & supercritical antisolvent fractionation)

Technology output

High value compounds (terpenes and carotenoid) to bring competitive, innovative algae-based ingredients to fragrance, nutraceutical and cosmetics industry

Processing capacity point of view (annual feedstock requirement)

NA

Country

France

Year

2017