Harnessing Microalgae and Seaweed for the Food Sector

Dear Colleagues,

Seaweeds and microalgae contain valuable compounds that can be extracted and processed into various bio-based materials that can be used in several industries, namely in the food sector. Thus, algae cultivation has been a growing trend in recent decades and, more recently, in multi-trophic cultivations in IMTA, in which microalgae and algae play crucial roles as nutrient recyclers, biofilters, and habitat providers. However, the characteristics of this biomass compared to wild seaweed, as well as the study of food quality and safety, have not been fully evaluated. This is why its potential use has not yet been fully explored. 

Thus, some of the areas to be covered are: 

1. Algal biomass: Composition and bioactivities for the food sector;
2. Extraction methods for valuable compounds from algae biomass;
3. Development of innovative processing technologies for converting algal biomass into bio-based materials for the food sector;
4. Properties and performance of bio-based materials produced from algae biomass;
5. Microalgae and seaweed cultivation in IMTA Systems: Algal biomass assessment;
6. Innovative applications of microalgae and seaweed biomass in IMTA;
7. Identification of challenges and barriers to widespread adoption of algal biomass utilization.

Dr. Teresa Mouga
Guest Editor

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• seaweed
• microalgae
• algal biomass