Microalgae are small photosynthetic organisms that live in lakes, streams and oceans. They can produce five times more biomass per area compared to classical energy crops. As such their potential for use in bio-based energy production is being investigated in many studies.
Due to their specific composition however, microalgae also possess a large potential for use in human and animal nutrition: for example they are promising sources of amino acids or lipds.
The research area "Microalgae - Integrated use for food and feed" integrates scientists from cell biology, engineering, food technology, animal nutrition, nutritional science, medicine, agricultural and food policy in order to analyze the potential of microalgae for the use in the food and feed sector.
Cultivation and processing of microalgae could reduce the pressure on currently available biogenic raw materials and thus make an important contribution to the bioeconomy.
The aim is the resource-efficient production of high-quality products for the food and feed sector.
