Species

Artrosphira sp. (Spirulina)

Spirulina is a blue-green microalga known for its exceptional nutritional value. It’s packed with over 30% protein, essential amino acids, iron, and the vibrant natural pigment phycocyanin, making it a popular choice for healthy and sustainable foods.

 

In the MULTIPLY project, Spirulina is grown using advanced bioprocessing to extract high-purity phycocyanin while transforming the remaining biomass into plant-based proteins, dietary supplements, natural colorants, and eco-friendly materials — all in a circular, zero-waste process that supports the future of sustainable food and bioproducts.

 

Diatoms are microalgae known for their remarkable silica shells, called frustules. These shells are naturally strong, porous, and intricately designed, making diatoms some of nature’s most fascinating microscopic engineers. Their unique structure offers exciting potential for sustainable materials across industries.

In the MULTIPLY project, diatoms are grown in efficient, closed systems that recycle water, CO₂, and nutrients. Their silica shells are carefully extracted for use in eco-friendly packaging, cosmetics, and protective coatings, while the leftover biomass — rich in proteins, oils, and carbohydrates — is repurposed for other applications, ensuring a circular, zero-waste approach that supports greener technologies.

Diatoms

Nannochloropsis sp.

 

Nannochloropsis is a microscopic marine alga celebrated for its exceptional nutritional profile. Naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA), proteins, and beneficial pigments, it offers a plant-based alternative to fish-derived ingredients. Its tiny cells pack a powerful punch, making it a promising source for health, nutrition, and sustainable bioproducts without relying on traditional agriculture.

 

In the MULTIPLY project, Nannochloropsis is grown in controlled, eco-friendly systems to extract high-quality omega-3 oils using sustainable methods like urea complexation. These oils are used in supplements, cosmetics, and bio-based lubricants, while the leftover biomass — packed with proteins and carbohydrates — is transformed into animal feed and other products in a zero-waste, circular approach that reduces environmental impact.

 

Tetraselmis sp. is a green microalga renowned for its capacity to accumulate high levels of starch, making it a valuable resource for food and biomaterial production. This microalga thrives in sustainable, closed systems, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing starch yield. Its versatility and renewable nature make Tetraselmis sp. a promising candidate for producing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials.

 

In the MULTIPLY project, Tetraselmis sp. is processed using biorefinery techniques to extract high-purity starch. The starch, with 80% purity, is ideal for producing bioplastics, compostable packaging, and functional coatings, offering a renewable and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. The project follows a circular economy approach by reusing side streams and valorizing the remaining biomass.

 

Tetraselmis sp.

Chromochloris zofingiensis

 

Chromochloris zofingiensis is a microalga prized for its rich lipid profile and ability to produce valuable carotenoids like astaxanthin. Known for its diversity of fatty acids — including palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids — this microalga offers a sustainable source of ingredients for food, health, and industrial applications, while minimizing reliance on conventional agriculture.

 

 

In the MULTIPLY project, Chromochloris zofingiensis is cultivated using innovative biorefinery methods to extract oils enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids for cosmetics, food supplements, and bio-based lubricants. The remaining protein- and carbohydrate-rich biomass is repurposed for animal feed and other uses, ensuring a circular, zero-waste approach that supports sustainable product development across industries.