PHYCONET: unlocking the IB potential of microalgae
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Structural Molecular Biology
Abstract
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms that have considerable potential as industrial biotechnology (IB) platforms for a wide range of natural and engineered bio-products, from bioplastics and biofuels to high value bioactives. Moreover, cultivation in closed photobioreactors offers an attractive low-carbon alternative to existing heterotrophic technologies. However, microalgal IB is an immature field that requires step-changing advances in algal biology, genetic engineering, cultivation at scale and downstream processing. Currently, considerable research and development is occurring in countries such as the US and China, and several European countries, as is evident from $m investments and the many start-up companies. In contrast, although the UK has a strong academic base in algal biosciences, and a number of UK SMEs are currently exploring commercial opportunities in the sector, the research is currently under-resourced and not optimally coordinated. Essential underpinning is needed to create a competitive algal IB presence in the UK, and attract investment from major companies.
The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities.
The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance of this new IB sector will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.
The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities.
The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance of this new IB sector will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.
Technical Summary
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms that have considerable potential as industrial biotechnology (IB) platforms for a wide range of natural and engineered bio-products, from bioplastics and biofuels to high value bioactives. Moreover, cultivation in closed photobioreactors offers an attractive low-carbon alternative to existing heterotrophic technologies. However, microalgal IB is an immature field that requires step-changing advances in algal biology, genetic engineering, cultivation at scale and downstream processing. Currently, considerable research and development is occurring in countries such as the US and China, and several European countries, as is evident from $m investments and the many start-up companies. In contrast, although the UK has a strong academic base in algal biosciences, and a number of UK SMEs are currently exploring commercial opportunities in the sector, the research is currently under-resourced and not optimally coordinated. Essential underpinning is needed to create a competitive algal IB presence in the UK, and attract investment from major companies.
The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities.
The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.
The PHYCONET network will to tackle this issue head on, by bringing together the UK algal biosciences research community, businesses operating in the IB sector, and other stakeholders to creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. We will also forge links with other algal biotech networks and organizations in Europe, the US, Australia and other leading countries to further raise the profile of the UK community and share funding and training opportunities.
The network will limit its remit to high-value products produced by microalgae in closed photobioreactors, since industrial and public acceptance will occur most rapidly through clear demonstrations that microalgae can be viable platforms for small-scale production of high-value commodities.
Planned Impact
There is considerable interest in the UK and indeed worldwide in developing an algal industrial biotechnology (IB) sector, both at the level of policy makers and research funders, but also industry. However, because exploitation is at such an early stage, there needs to be some form of proven platform technology before industry would feel confident about moving into the area.
Through the PHYCONET network we to aim to to tackle this issue head on, by creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. This will benefit a wide range of IB sectors that have interest in natural bio-products, including the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, comestics, food and biofuel industries.
Government and Public Bodies will also benefit, since the outputs of the network can have an impact on several pressing current issues: building the knowledge economy will lead to inward investment and wealth creation, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, improve security of food and materials, and contribute to enhanced nutrition.
The outreach activities aim to increase awareness of the public on issues of natural products and the bio-based economy, energy, food and material security, and how the development of IB and a knowledge economy can benefit the UK. This will encourage pupils to adopt a career in science and technology, and policy makers to promote research investment into the microalgal IB sector.
Through the PHYCONET network we to aim to to tackle this issue head on, by creating the critical mass of expertise, effort and focus needed to achieve the step-change and make the UK a leading player in algal biotechnology. This will benefit a wide range of IB sectors that have interest in natural bio-products, including the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, comestics, food and biofuel industries.
Government and Public Bodies will also benefit, since the outputs of the network can have an impact on several pressing current issues: building the knowledge economy will lead to inward investment and wealth creation, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, improve security of food and materials, and contribute to enhanced nutrition.
The outreach activities aim to increase awareness of the public on issues of natural products and the bio-based economy, energy, food and material security, and how the development of IB and a knowledge economy can benefit the UK. This will encourage pupils to adopt a career in science and technology, and policy makers to promote research investment into the microalgal IB sector.
Organisations
Publications
Dyo YM
(2018)
The algal chloroplast as a synthetic biology platform for production of therapeutic proteins.
in Microbiology (Reading, England)
Taunt HN
(2018)
Green biologics: The algal chloroplast as a platform for making biopharmaceuticals.
in Bioengineered
Charoonnart P
(2018)
Applications of Microalgal Biotechnology for Disease Control in Aquaculture.
in Biology
Esland L
(2018)
Selectable Markers and Reporter Genes for Engineering the Chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
in Biology
Stoffels L
(2019)
Downstream Processing of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii TN72 for Recombinant Protein Recovery.
in Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology
Roccuzzo S
(2020)
Metabolic Insights Into Infochemicals Induced Colony Formation and Flocculation in Scenedesmus subspicatus Unraveled by Quantitative Proteomics.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Description | PHYCONET is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (BBSRC NIBB), a UK-based network enabling biologists, engineers and industrial partners to consolidate their knowledge and expertise to unlock the IB potential of microalgae. Commencing in January 2014 and operating over the course of five years, the focus of PHYCONET is on producing high value products from microalgae (including cyanobacteria) industrially cultivated in an intensive and controlled manner using photobioreactor and fermentor-based technologies. currently we have over 500 members for academia and industry together with other stakeholders. Our main objectives are to: Develop an interdisciplinary microalgal research community in the UK Network with international algal groups Facilitate collaborative research between academia and industry Provide funding for research projects within the network remit Promote other funding opportunities Organise conferences and networking and training events Provide input to UK and EU policy Promote the profile of microalgal research in the UK |
Exploitation Route | We catalyse new R&D collaborations between academia and industry through our network activities and our funding awards. |
Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
URL | http://www.phyconet.org.uk/ |
Description | The PHYCONET Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy serves as a UK-wide resource for academics, industry and policy makers interested in developing and exploiting the industrial biotechnology potential of microalgae. The Network has helped develop an interdisciplinary algal research community in the UK by catalysing collaborative research between academia and industry, organising conferences and networking events, supporting outreach events involving algae, and participating in fact-finding missions to the USA and Mexico. |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Member of BBSRC Bioenergy review panel |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | PHYCONET Proof of Concept award |
Amount | £99,328 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2015 |
End | 07/2016 |
Description | NIBB Conference (joint PHYCONET and HVCfP meeting) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Networking meeting on high value products from algae attended by approximately 80 members from academia and industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.phyconet.org.uk/ |
Description | NIBB workshop (joint between IBCARB and PHYCONET) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Networking meeting attended by ~80 members from industry, academia and other stakeholders. The aim was to highlight potential R&D opportunities involving algal polysaccharides. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.phyconet.org.uk/ |
Description | On-line presentation at webinar "Algal Biotechnology for Sustainable Aquaculture in 2021 and Beyond" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The webinar was organised by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in Thailand to bring together researchers and industries interested in using algal biotechnologies in the aquaculture sectors. Over 200 participants joined from all round the world and there was significant engagement in the Q&A sessions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | PHYCONET workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | PHYCONET showcase workshop to highlight R&D opportunities fin industrial biotechnology relating to high value products from microalgae. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.phyconet.org.uk/ |
Description | Presentation at part of the Clean Tech Challenge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation and discussion exploring the use of algae for clean technologies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://londonevolution.org/homepage/past-events/trips/2019-2/saul-purton-clean-tech-using-microalga... |
Description | Presentation of Algae-UK to delegates attending EIT-Food Course, Cambridge December 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The aim of this professional development course was to provide introductory hands-on training and theory in algal biology, culturing, growth and subsequent molecular and metabolite analysis under laboratory and small to large scale growth facilities, as well as giving business information and networking opportunities specifically tailored towards the algal bioeconomy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.eitfood.eu/programmes/algal-biotechnology-techniques-and-opportunities-for-the-sustainab... |
Description | School visit (Dunottar School, Reigate) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presentations and discussion activity given by Prof Saul Purton and Dr Henry Taunt to years 10 & 11 part of their Science Week. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.dunottarschool.com/news-events/latest-news/scientists-visit-dunottar-school-to-speak-at-... |