US DOE allocates US$2.5M for algae-based aquafeed innovation

USA – The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated US$2.5 million to Auburn University for a groundbreaking initiative that aims to revolutionise aquafeed production by harnessing the power of algae.

The project, led by Professor Peter He from Auburn’s Department of Chemical Engineering, seeks to transform industrial waste into sustainable protein sources for aquaculture.

Researchers plan to combine carbon emissions from pulp and paper mills with wastewater from aquaculture operations to produce an algae-based protein for use in aquafeed pellets.  

This innovative project, titled “Intensified and Energy Efficient Cultivation, Processing, and Conversion of Flue Gas Produced Algal Biomass to Aquafeed,” seeks to address the dual challenges of industrial waste reduction and growing global demand for aquaculture feed. 

Professor He emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that aquaculture, as the most efficient animal production system, will play a critical role in meeting future protein needs. 

He also highlighted the significance of creating a circular economy where waste is converted into valuable resources.  

At the heart of the project lies a recently patented technology known as the circulating coculture biofilm photoreactor (CCBP). 

This “dry” biofilm reactor is designed to intensify algae cultivation by enhancing the absorption of carbon dioxide, which in turn boosts biomass productivity and reduces production costs. 

The innovative system captures flue gas emissions, repurposes fishery wastewater, and creates a sustainable, low-carbon pathway for aquafeed production.  

The project aims to significantly advance algae cultivation technology, with ambitious goals that include a 200% increase in productivity, a 300% rise in biomass concentration, and a 50% reduction in production costs. 

These developments align with the DOE’s broader efforts to promote low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts while addressing environmental and industrial challenges.  

Key technological innovations underpinning the project include:

• the use of dry biofilm as a biocatalyst to improve carbon dioxide uptake and biomass productivity
• the adaptation of advanced pulp and paper dewatering techniques for efficient algae harvesting, 
• the integration of systems engineering to optimise feedstock, logistics, and energy use

Professor He explained that the biofilm-based cultivation process offers significant advantages over traditional methods, with the dry biofilm technology marking a transformative step forward.  

The project will be implemented in stages. Initially, researchers will optimise the technology using a 104-liter lab-scale photoreactor to fine-tune the process.

This will be followed by pilot testing with a larger 1,000-liter prototype in a greenhouse-style setup at Auburn University Fisheries. 

Concurrently, advanced dewatering techniques will be tested and refined under the guidance of Professor Jiang, who leads the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering. 

Finally, Davis’ laboratory will evaluate the safety of algae-based feed ingredients, their nutritional profile, and their efficacy in commercial aquafeed applications. 

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