[BioTech] NCKU Researchers Develop Novel Application of Microalgae

[BioTech] NCKU Researchers Develop Novel Application of Microalgae (Chinese Version)

NCKU News (2012/09/03) Researchers at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), southern Tainan, have developed microalgae biomass energy technology and other application of health food and skin care products recently.

A team, led by Distinguished Professor Chia-hsiu CHANG at NCKU Department of Chemical Engineering, has collaborated with China Steel Company to establish a pilot system for microalgae cultivation from flue gas and also to develop platform technology for microalgae biodiesel production using the microalgae yielded from consuming the flue gas CO₂.

What makes the study so prominent is that the team has cultivated microalgae using heat extracted from chimneys at China Steel Company.

Microalgae grown in this method can endure high temperatures, according to Prof. CHANG’s research team which has developed a technology that allows for wet processing of microalgae into bio-fuels, which helps save drying costs.

Prof. CHANG said that microalgae are the best working platform for CO₂ reduction and reutilization.

According to Wen-Teng WU, Chair Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of NCKU Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, the cultivation of microalgae can help dealing with the problems of the greenhouse effect and meet the urgent need of alternative energy.

Taiwan's rich microalgae resources give it a great advantage in developing a microalgae industry, said CHANG adding that the industry can be very helpful in reducing carbon levels because algae captures carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.

Every 1 gram of microalgae grown by the team, for example, can consume 2 grams of carbon dioxide, he said.

CHANG said that microalgae biomass contains a variety of valuable components, such as oils, carbohydrates, proteins and pigments which can not only be converted to biofuels but be used in the development of high value products, such as DHA/EPA, healthy foods, and feeds of animals and aquatics.

Aside from the above mentioned applications, microalgae cosmetic is another promising line of products, according to the team, adding that microalgae extract can promote cell restoration and cohesion, making it a perfect ingredient for skin care products.


Further Information:
NCKU News 2012/09/04

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