Healthy and sustainable omega-3 fatty acids from algae

Research project at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences investigates suitable species for regional oil production

Omega-3 fatty acids are of great importance for human health, including for brain and kidney function and blood pressure. One form is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which can be obtained sustainably from microalgae. Researchers at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences are working together with JoMaa Algae Farm Rockstedt and the company Henry Lamotte Oils to make the production of sustainable algae oil possible in the region. In the ‘Algae EPA’ project, they are investigating various types of microalgae. The project is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Algae have been an integral part of the discussion on healthy and sustainable nutrition for several years now. The positive properties of the microalgae spirulina in particular have now been well researched, making it a popular addition to dietary supplements. Obtaining omega-3 fatty acids from algae instead of fish is also nothing new. ‘Algae are a very sustainable resource because they are easy to cultivate in large quantities and are vegan. This also makes them more suitable than fish. Although fish are also a good source, they also get their omega-3 fatty acids from algae. It therefore makes sense to use algae oil directly,’ explains Insa Mannott from Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Together with Prof Dr Imke Lang, she wants to find out which algae species can produce the most eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) under the natural climatic conditions in northern Germany and how a particularly large amount of algae oil is obtained during harvesting.

There are more than 50,000 species of microalgae in the world. They have different characteristics and special requirements for their environment, which they need for optimum growth. Prof Dr Imke Lang and Insa Mannott are investigating which species are best suited to the large cultivation tanks at the JoMaa algae farm in Rockstedt. ‘Especially in autumn and winter, we tend to have cold temperatures and little sunshine in this region. For many types of algae, artificial heat and light would then have to be generated in order for them to grow. That would be neither sustainable nor economical. We are therefore looking for a type of algae that can cope with a cool and dark environment,’ explains Insa Mannott.

The researchers are currently growing a preculture of diatoms. This microalgae is also found in the North Sea and forms EPA. As soon as sufficient biomass is available, the algae will be delivered to the JoMaa algae farm. This makes it possible to test how they cope with the conditions there and whether they can adapt. The researchers will later support the company with the harvest. ‘We are investigating which methods we can use to obtain particularly high quantities of oil. However, we also have to bear in mind that not everything that is possible in principle can be realised economically and locally,’ says Insa Mannott. At the end of the three-year project, the aim is to have a product ready for sale that also fulfils the strict requirements for use in food.

Scientific contacts
Prof Dr Imke Lang
Professor of Marine Biotechnology 
Head of Institute EcoMaterials
Phone: +49 4714823534
Mail: ilang@hs-bremerhaven.de

Insa Mannott, M.Sc.
Research Assistant
Phone: +49 471 4823 538
Mail: imannott@hs-bremerhaven.de