ABOUT BIOVAL: PROJECT'S OBJECTIVES AND WORK PACKAGES
Bioval is a European research project advancing the scientific exploitation of marine microalgae to transform food and feed systems. Through innovative cascade biorefinery models, we are developing scalable solutions for a zero-waste blue bioeconomy that supports both human nutrition and planetary health.
Project objectives
The main aim of the BIOVAL project is to develop scalable environmental and economically sustainable biorefineries based on marine microalgae to generate food and feed applications by combining well-established and robust technologies with innovative and transdisciplinary approaches aiming at a zero-waste model.
The achievement of the primary objective of BIOVAL will provide tools for sustainable production of compounds useful as food supplements and/or additives (e.g. emulsifier) with a minimum impact and substantial benefits to the planet.
The proposed approach has the final goal of developing an economically, scalable and environmentally sustainable pipeline for the exploitation of microalgal biomass with the goal of a zero-waste model. The main objective will be attained by addressing the following specific objectives, supported by and resulting from activities by the partners.
O1.
To identify optimal cultivation conditions to improve the production of bioactive n-MAGs, PUFA-rich lipids, and secondary by-products.
O2.
To develop a scalable and sustainable cascade approach to process microalgal biomass with a biorefinery concept to produce PUFA-rich n-MAGs and g-MAGs from the lipid fraction, carbohydrates and proteins.
O3.
To characterize the bioactivity and safety of MAGs and other bioactive components using in vitro and in vivo assays.
O4.
To formulate and validate new feeds for marine fish aquaculture from side-stream fractions from microalgae processing, i.e. protein, polysaccharide, and pigment fractions.
O5.
To evaluate the environmental sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the proposed pipeline.
O6.
To adopt strategies to exploit, accurately communicate and disseminate the results of the project, engaging relevant stakeholders and raising public awareness.
O7.
To efficiently coordinating and monitoring the activities of the partners involved in the project.
Work Packages
WP1: Optimisation and scale-up of cultivation
Maximizing microalgae productivity (T. chuii, P. tricornutum, S. marinoi). Optimization through AI and innovative A-PBR photobioreactor design.
WP5: Sustainability Impact and Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and global economic impact assessment following ISO 14044 standards to ensure sustainable development.
Schematic representation of data flux and Interdependency between WPs
WP2: Cascade extraction and process scale-up
Zero-waste biorefinery model using green technologies (SFE, US, PEF) to extract high-value compounds and enzymatic synthesis.
WP6: Communication and dissemination
Management of visibility and impact. Strategies for communication in Open Access, international scientific events, and targeted outreach.
WP3: In vitro and in vivo bioactivity tests
Scientific validation of health benefits. Evaluation of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory capacities and safety in in vitro and in vivo models.
Conceptual diagram showing the sustainable processing of microalgal biomass using a circular bioeconomy approach
WP7: Coordination, project management and data management
Coordination of partner activities following FAIR principles. Efficient monitoring of deliverables, IP management, and regulatory compliance.
WP4: Validation of feed formulations
Practical application in aquaculture. Formulation and validation of sustainable feeds that improve fish health and growth yields.
In Practice: Defining the Microalgal Value Chain
The BIOVAL project translates scientific exploration into scalable solutions for the European blue economy. We focus on transforming sustainable biomass into premium ingredients for food and feed.
Research & Development
Biorefinery Scalability
Sustainability Assessment
We identify optimal cultivation protocols to enhance the yield of bioactives and omega-3 rich lipids, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and biological efficiency.
The core of our practice is developing a cascading biorefinery concept. This zero-waste model enables the industrial-scale production of high-purity monoacylglycerides and proteins.
Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), we rigorously evaluate the environmental impact of our processes to ensure biological sustainability meets economic viability.
The Biological Advantage
Microalgae are nature’s most efficient bio-factories. They thrive in marine environments, require no freshwater, and produce essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids without depleting ocean fish stocks, providing a sustainable foundation for the global food system.