AstraAlgae
Team information
Category:
Windy Yeh
Master
Wageningen University and Research
Nadia Putri Az Zahra Julianto
Master
Wageningen University & Research
Maria Gayà Rosselló
Master
Wageningen University and Research
Rafailia Groudou
Master
Wageningen university
Nurwahdah Nurwahdah
Master
Wageningen University and Reseach
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About the team
We aim to create a complete biorefinery starting from the cultivation of microalgae such as Chlorella, utilizing photobioreactors to produce high-protein biomass enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Our process continues through downstream operations to extract sustainable protein and other valuable components for diverse applications, including biofuels, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. This innovative solution focuses on developing microalgae-based protein systems that are scalable, sustainable, and adaptable for Earth applications. By integrating cultivation and extraction processes, we ensure the efficient use of microalgae biomass, contributing to environmentally-friendly protein production and versatile bioproduct development.
Our vision
Our vision is to make microalgae a cornerstone of sustainable food production, addressing food security and reducing the environmental impact of traditional protein sources. By leveraging microalgae's ability to grow rapidly with minimal water, land, and energy, we aim to establish localized, eco-friendly protein production systems in urban and rural areas. Our goal is to replace resource-intensive proteins, such as livestock and soy, with microalgae-based alternatives, ensuring a reliable and nutritious food supply for future generations. Nowadays, protein production methods contribute significantly to climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity, while failing to meet the dietary needs of a growing population. The increasing demand for protein-rich foods necessitates a scalable, sustainable solution that can adapt to diverse environments. Microalgae offer a unique opportunity to revolutionize food systems by providing a low-resource, high-nutrient protein source that aligns with the principles of sustainability and resilience.
Our solution
We aim to create a complete biorefinery starting from the cultivation of microalgae such as Chlorella, utilizing photobioreactors to produce high-protein biomass enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Our process continues through downstream operations to extract sustainable protein and other valuable components for diverse applications, including biofuels, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. This innovative solution focuses on developing microalgae-based protein systems that are scalable, sustainable, and adaptable for Earth applications. By integrating cultivation and extraction processes, we ensure the efficient use of microalgae biomass, contributing to environmentally-friendly protein production and versatile bioproduct development. Microalgae require significantly less water and land compared to traditional protein sources, while thriving on recycled CO₂ and organic waste. By integrating our system, we enable year-round, efficient protein production, reducing reliance on global supply chains and lowering carbon emissions. What makes our approach unique is the combination of cutting-edge photobioreactor technology and waste recycling, creating a circular, zero-waste production process. The result is a scalable protein solution that addresses food security, environmental sustainability, and local economic development.