MacroBioCrude: Developing an Integrated Supply and Processing Pipeline for the Sustained Production of Ensiled Macroalgae-derived Hydrocarbon Fuels
Lead Research Organisation:
ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Publications
Adams J
(2017)
The effect of mechanical pre-processing and different drying methodologies on bioethanol production using the brown macroalga Laminaria digitata (Hudson) JV Lamouroux
in Journal of Applied Phycology
Sedgwick H
(2025)
Seaweed-derived bioactives: Gut microbiota targeted interventions for immune function
in Journal of Functional Foods
Adams J
(2021)
Food-Grade Biorefinery Processing of Macroalgae at Scale: Considerations, Observations and Recommendations
in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Kostas E
(2021)
Macroalgal biorefinery concepts for the circular bioeconomy: A review on biotechnological developments and future perspectives
in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
| Title | Ar lan y Mor / On the seashore seaweed-orientated exhibition |
| Description | Art - Science collaboration between IBERS, Aberystwyth Univerity and Aberystwyth Printmakers "Ar Lan y Mor/ On the seashore" Art exhibition at Aberystwyth Art Centre (10 Nov 25 - 8 Feb 26) Co-L Adams |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Multiple interactions between Aberystwyth printmakers and IBERS staff e.g. art-science seminar in IBERS science forum meetings; opportunities for scientists to develop lino print preparation and printing; promotion of facilities held by Aberystwyth printmakers. Focus at the British Phycological society annual meeting (held in Aberystwyth Jan 2026) to visit event |
| URL | https://aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/on-the-seashore/ |
| Description | One of the major drawbacks in the use of macroalgae as a feedstock for biorefining is its deterioration in quality post-harvest. To overcome this, the process of ensiling, similar to that used to preserve grass was investigated. To ensure good ensiling, the water content of the algae needs to be reduced. In this project, the effects of pre-treatment on the de-watering of macroalgae prior to stabilisation of the biomass by ensiling, was investigated. A number of macroalgae species that grow well around the UK coastline were collected from a range of different environments over the growing season and subjected to a range of pre-treatments. Initial results showed that, of the selection of acid and osmotic treatments for the de-watering of macroalgae, only air drying gives significant water release. Although some acid treatments resulted in removal of water, the resulting liquid also contains dissolved solids, so that in terms of the percentage dry matter, there is no change. Generally, the response to de-watering treatment was shown to be more species dependent than season dependent. Fresh Palmaria, for example, was amenable to a screw pressing pre-treatment as a de-watering process, producing a useful juice for biorefining. Further studies have shown that de-watering was highly dependent on specific interactions with both treatment and season of collection, indicating that de-watering pre-treatments need to be specific for the type of seaweed to be processed, important knowledge for the future use of this sustainable biomass resource. Following optimised de-water treatment for each of the seaweeds, the material was ensiled to maintain stability. Data showed that in all cases, a good ensiling occurred, stabilising the biomass. Material (torrifieid seaweed char) produced by other consortium partners was assessed for its effect on seed germination and plant growth. A series of experiments were set up using 2 indicator species, lettuce and perennial ryegrass. Germination and early growth were examined in detail under controlled environment conditions with 18 different chars while longer term growth subsequent to germination was studied with trays (mini-swards) in a glasshouse. Results demonstrated a deleterious effect on both seed germination and plant growth. This is an important outcome as it has been assumed that all chars have a beneficial effect on plant growth. |
| Exploitation Route | Findings will enable the effective use of macroalgae as a feedstock for biorefining by addressing problems with rapid deterioration post harvest using de-watering and ensiling treatments. This is of interest to coastal communities looking to add value to available resources and also to companies interested in biorefining to extract valuable components or companies interested in anaerobic digestion or thermal conversion for power and heat. |
| Sectors | Chemicals Creative Economy Energy Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The impact of this work is recorded against grant ref EP/K014900/1 |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Description | AlgaeUK management board |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Assessed and provided funding to enable multiple collaborative and academic-only studies to occur. Funding released as business innovation vouchers (£10K/project) and proof of concept studies (£50K/project). |
| URL | https://www.algae-uk.org.uk/ |
| Description | BBSRC pool of experts member |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.ukri.org/about-us/bbsrc/board-and-panel-membership/research-committees/pool-of-experts/ |
| Description | BBSRC review panel |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/pioneer-awards-early-stage-frontier-bioscience-research/ |
| Description | BBSRC review panel |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/sustainable-aquaculture-partnerships-for-innovation/ |
| Description | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee - BBSRC review panel (2025) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Response to Common biomass sustainability framework consultation document |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Steering group member |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Influences seen following studies and project completion. |
| URL | https://www.seafoodinnovation.fund/ |
| Description | Exploration of a novel, rapid processing method to release unusual sugars from nuisance green seaweed |
| Amount | £2,100 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Joy Welch Educational Charitable Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | INNOsea: Innovative seaweed extraction and application |
| Amount | £184,931 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 10124260 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2024 |
| End | 08/2025 |
| Description | Problem green seaweed growth rate trial and biochar plant trial |
| Amount | £2,800 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Fishmongers Company |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2020 |
| End | 12/2020 |
| Description | SeaK: Seasonal and developmental composition analysis of Kappaphycus and Eucheuma spp. to inform on quality and alternative algal uses |
| Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Aberystwyth University |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2020 |
| End | 06/2021 |
| Description | Summer studentship |
| Amount | £2,900 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 2024BPS013 |
| Organisation | British Phycological Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2024 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | UMTaste: Understanding the mechanisms by which umami taste influences salty and bitter taste to enable umami to drive salt reduction and improvement i |
| Amount | £53,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 2930801 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2024 |
| End | 09/2028 |
| Description | Collaboration with COST action SeaWheat |
| Organisation | Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Presented at COST Action SeaWheat Workshop 23-24 May 23 Lisbon, Portugal From this, invitation to contribute to paper (now published by Hoffman et al (2024) https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2370489) and Varges-Murga et al., (2025) DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145941. Attended Ulva cultivation workshop through COST action SeaWheat training school (4 days) 1-4 April 25 From that invited to participate in another paper (in progress, Rebour et al.) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invitation to contribute to three papers (two published) |
| Impact | Two publications (to date) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration with COST action SeaWheat |
| Organisation | Møreforsking |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Presented at COST Action SeaWheat Workshop 23-24 May 23 Lisbon, Portugal From this, invitation to contribute to paper (now published by Hoffman et al (2024) https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2370489) and Varges-Murga et al., (2025) DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145941. Attended Ulva cultivation workshop through COST action SeaWheat training school (4 days) 1-4 April 25 From that invited to participate in another paper (in progress, Rebour et al.) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invitation to contribute to three papers (two published) |
| Impact | Two publications (to date) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration with COST action SeaWheat |
| Organisation | University of Galway |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Presented at COST Action SeaWheat Workshop 23-24 May 23 Lisbon, Portugal From this, invitation to contribute to paper (now published by Hoffman et al (2024) https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2370489) and Varges-Murga et al., (2025) DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145941. Attended Ulva cultivation workshop through COST action SeaWheat training school (4 days) 1-4 April 25 From that invited to participate in another paper (in progress, Rebour et al.) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invitation to contribute to three papers (two published) |
| Impact | Two publications (to date) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration with COST action SeaWheat |
| Organisation | University of Girona |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Presented at COST Action SeaWheat Workshop 23-24 May 23 Lisbon, Portugal From this, invitation to contribute to paper (now published by Hoffman et al (2024) https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2370489) and Varges-Murga et al., (2025) DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145941. Attended Ulva cultivation workshop through COST action SeaWheat training school (4 days) 1-4 April 25 From that invited to participate in another paper (in progress, Rebour et al.) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invitation to contribute to three papers (two published) |
| Impact | Two publications (to date) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration with COST action SeaWheat |
| Organisation | University of Haifa |
| Country | Israel |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Presented at COST Action SeaWheat Workshop 23-24 May 23 Lisbon, Portugal From this, invitation to contribute to paper (now published by Hoffman et al (2024) https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2370489) and Varges-Murga et al., (2025) DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145941. Attended Ulva cultivation workshop through COST action SeaWheat training school (4 days) 1-4 April 25 From that invited to participate in another paper (in progress, Rebour et al.) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invitation to contribute to three papers (two published) |
| Impact | Two publications (to date) |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | AIEC opening |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Opening of AU new Biorefining centre. Presentations were made on current biorefining projects along with equipment available to academics and industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Art collaboration |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | IBERS/ Aberystwyth Printmakers collaboration 'Ar Lan y Mor/ On the seashore' Art exhibition at Aberystwyth Art Centre (10 Nov 25 - 8 Feb 26) Co-L Adams |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025,2026 |
| URL | https://aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/on-the-seashore/ |
| Description | Article for national online paper |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article for 'The National' (Jan 22) https://www.thenational.wales/news/19868411.seaweed-super-food-weapon-climate-change/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | http://www.thenational.wales/news/19868411.seaweed-super-food-weapon-climate-change/ |
| Description | Blue biotechnology workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Ran a workshop on blue biotechnology at the Irish sea maritime forum annual event which analysed area with forum attendees through SWOT analysis following introduction to the area and descriptions of case studies provided by self. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.irishseamaritimeforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Blue-Growth-Project-Prospectus-Jan-2... |
| Description | Chair and presentation at International conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chaired and presented a mini-symposium: Anaerobic digestion of seaweeds at the 23rd International Seaweed Symposium, Jeju, S. Korea April - May 2019. Whilst there also judged a student presentation session. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://iss2019.org |
| Description | Chair of specialist session at international conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | MINI-SYMPOSIUM Novel thermal macroalgae processing approaches to enhance valued compound extractions. Chair: Jessica Adams Presentation by Jessica Adams: Steam explosion: A novel route for high value compound release from nuisance Ulva species |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://iss2023.net/program/#MONDAY |
| Description | Chief Scientific Officer for Wales Julie Williams |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of research in biorefining and discussions regarding future direction of science in Wales |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | IBERS Centenary Celebrations |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Celebration of IBERS 100 years in plant breeding. Presentations given on biorefining projects and available equipment. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | ITV feature on seaweed processing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ITV feature on INNOSea project and related seaweed research (https://www.itv.com/watch/news/seaweed-extract-could-boost-mental-and-gut-health-aberystwyth-research-finds/qmbzt8r) released 2 March 26. Subsequent press interest: • Welsh country website (3 March): https://www.welshcountry.co.uk/new-seaweed-extract-shows-promising-health-benefits/ • BBC Radio Cymru Dros Frecwast (4 March): (Meirion Roberts speaking on behalf) • BBC Radio Wales Breakfast (5 March): on at 8:45 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002s0tf Also related AU press release: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2026/03/title-286022-en.html (3 March 26) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2026 |
| URL | https://www.itv.com/watch/news/seaweed-extract-could-boost-mental-and-gut-health-aberystwyth-researc... |
| Description | Interview for national radio |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lead interviewee for 'Seaweed' on Science Café, Radio Wales (Sept 22). Selected for interview based on article written for The National in Jan 2022 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001cdjd |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001cdjd |
| Description | Interviewee on Science Café programme 'Alternative materials' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interviewee on Science Café programme on Marine plastics and films on episode 'Alternative materials' (BBC Wales radio, recorded March 25, released 18 May 25) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002byw5 |
| Description | Newtown rotary Club Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presented current and post research in the area of biorefining. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Pembrokeshire coastal forum meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussions to drive sea-based research and resources |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Royal Society summer science exhibit coordinator and presenter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Main organiser for Royal Society Summer Science event 2025 stall 'Algal Revolution'. 6 day event (1-6 July 2025) with estimated 16,000 visitors. 37 volunteers from 17 Universities, 5 governmental or national centres and 2 companies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://rs.brphycsoc.org/ |
| Description | Science week presenter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Assisted in Science week stall on Seaweed films at Aberystwyth University (March 25). 1400 attendees |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | TEDx Aberystwyth talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at TEDx Aberystwyth, recording subsequently shared on YouTube. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6hLwAZ9GC8 |
| Description | Taiwan Ambassador visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on current research activities and opportunity to collaboration and/or student exchanges |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Visit by Jane Hutt to Beacon |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Visit by Jane Hutt (Wales Finance Minister) to the Beacon facility to view the work being done in the area of Industrial Biotechnology and its contribution to the Welsh Economy. Improved ministerial awareness of the role of the bioeconomy in Wales. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Visit from UTM |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Return Visit by UTM team for further discussion on potential collaborative research and studentships etc. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Visit to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Major discussions with Staff at both of the UTM campuses on areas of collaboration in Industrial biotechnology, bio-circular economy, engagement with Business, possible studentships and available equipment. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Wales Festival of Innovation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on biorefining capability and discussion of relevant projects undertaken by our research group with members of the public, students and farming community to inform on potential opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |