Pre-normative & Co-normative RESEARCH

(PNR & CNR)

Building bridges between algae-based R&I (research and innovation) teams,

and the development / improvement of relevant standards and regulatory frameworks. 

We follow and aim to participate in the further development of CEN/TC411 and CEN/TC454.

We provide support to academic and industrial R&D teams to embed pre-normative research (PNR) and co-normative research (CNR)  of biobased (and more specifically algae-based) novel product development (from proof of concept to scale up production and introduction to market). Algae-based / cyanobacteria-based (including industrial wastewater grown)  and algal/cyanobacterial GMO-based  product development is increasingly becoming attractive across most industries. However, the development of reliable and exhaustive supporting guidance, norms and standards is still at its infancy. Whilst aware this is a very niche market, we aim to modestly contribute to fill in this gap as collaborative research into this field continues.

ALGAE-BASED PRODUCTS COMMERCIALIZATION

We develop and commercialize high quality certified algae-based products to other businesses (B2B) and also to individual end-users:

• Chlorella sp. (Chlorophyceae) in powder food supplement known for its anti-oxidant properties, and its high content in proteins, fibers and lipids (vitamins) and minerals.

• Spirullina sp. powder (Cyanobacteria) in powder, to be used as food supplement (reccommeded dosis 5g per day for an average adult) known for its very high content in proteins, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacine), and also for its content in copper and iron and traces of manganese, magnesium and potassium.

• ARA - arachidonic acid, omega-6 poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) particularly used as baby food supplement.

• DHA – docosahexaenoic acid, omega-3 PUFA. known as an ideal food supplement to help reduce cardio-vascular issues.

• Astaxanthin from green-alga Haematococcus pluvialis acts as a powerful anit-oxidant used particularly in aquacuture and in the comestics industry.

ALGAE-BASED INNOVATION

We aim to innovate and create our own brand of algae-based novel non-food products (e.g. textiles/fashion, bioplastics for toys, pet accessories, etc) targetting  individual consumers ans well as the creation of synergies with relevant industrial partners.

LCA for H&S and SUSTAINABILITY

We perform life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC),  and social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) for biobased R&D projects. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool widely used in product commercialisation, and is key to help to evaluate the health and safety (H&S) hazards and risks, and to assess the sustainability level of the energy and water usage and waste, as well as the potential green house gas (GHG) emissions of the intended end-products.  In line with the precautionary principle, we perform micro-scale cradle-to-cradle (C2C) simulation studies for each stage of the algae/bio-based product life-cycle. We also run meta-analysis reviews of previous and ongoing similar or comparable research, to help establish the (bio)safety and potential environmental impact of the biomaterial or their derivatives throughout the production stages and beyond end-of-life (EoL) of the designed products. 

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ALGAE/BIO-BASED SCIENTIFIC DISSEMINATION

Recognising scientific results to highlight the connections between research, innovation and industrial activity is key to any research and development (R&D)/research and innovation (R&I) project. H2020 and similar frameworks consider dissemination activities essential for the impact and success of any R&D/R&I projects.

We provide specific support to algae-based/bio-based R&D/R&I teams by organising events to promote dialogue between science and society, to help convince different stakeholders about R&I project outcomes usefulness, and eventually also help in terms of attracting potential investors in order to fund future research.

Meeting rooms / SCIENTIFIC EVENTS 

And for R&I teams looking for an easy-access and affordable meeting room in Lisbon, we dispose of two polivalent rooms, which can be used for small to medium-sized groups (up to 50ish people). The layout can be set to best fit the purpose (large traditional board room setttings to cabaret-like set of tables).