1.1.1.3. Translational research, Round 1
Project title: âFrom biomass to human health: bioconversion of oat hulls with microalgae for the production of compounds with immunomodulatory properties. (ALGAE2HEALTH).â
Project contract number: No 1.1.1.3/1./24/A/133
Project implementation deadline: 01.07.2025 - 31.06.2028 (36 months)
Total project funding: EUR 656 455.13 (ERDF EUR 510 065.65; State budget funding EUR 89 934.35; Private eligible costs EUR 56 455.13)
Project leader / principal investigator: Senior Researcher, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia / Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology Dr.biol. Armands VÄĢgants
Administrative manager of the project: Laureta BuÅĄevica, e-mail: laureta.busevica@lu.lv
The scientific objective of the project (ALGAE2HEALTH) is to carry out an interdisciplinary collaborative industrial research to develop a novel and integrated waste-free oat hull biorefinery process using microalgae bioconversion and producing high value-added ingredient streams with immunomodulatory properties (xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants)
The project relates to the development priority: âFuture growth sectors in which high added value products and services exist or are likely to emergeâ.
The project is implemented by the University of Latvia as a research organisation in collaboration with two industry partners - SIA Biorefic and SIA RÄmkalni Nordeco. .
Biorefic is a start-up company focused on developing integrated technologies and products for next-generation biorefining. Role in the project: to develop and optimise processes for the production of prebiotics (XOS) and algae culture substrates from oat hull hydrolysates.
RÄmkalni Nordeco Ltd grows and processes both organic and conventional agricultural products (candied fruit, syrups, pastilles, bio-processing). Role in the project: to test the stability of the polyfunctional ingredients developed in the project in real food products and their impact on the functional properties of the food products.
The project will result in :
The project results will contribute to the development of the three areas identified in the Latvian Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3): âKnowledge-based bioeconomyâ, âBiomedicine, medical technology, pharmacyâ and âPhotonics and smart materials, technologies and engineering systems
The project promotes eco-innovative technologies and will contribute to the development of zero-waste technologies, as the knowledge gained can be used in the future to produce high added-value products on an industrial scale from renewable agricultural residues such as oat husks.
Planned project activities:
âEasy to readâ
Project âALGAE2HEALTHâ
What is the project about?
The project explores how oat husks (residues from processing) can be used to produce valuable substances through microalgae. It can be used to produce substances that help the human immune system - for example, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre (XOS).
Who participates?
Project Manager: Dr. biol. Armands VÄĢgants
Administrative Manager: Laureta Bussevic (laureta.busevica@lu.lv
When will the project take place?
From July 2025 to June 2028 (3 years).
How much does a project cost?
Total ~ âŦ656 thousand.
Of these:
What is to be done?
What will be the benefit?
Overview for the period 01.10.2025-31.12.2025.
Research activities in project activities 2d1, 2d.2 and 2d.3 were continued and research activities in project activity 2d.6 were initiated between 1 July and 30 September 2025
Activity 2.d1 involved the consolidation of STEX treatment results and the development of optimal protocols, including the comparative evaluation of hemicellulose hydrolysates obtained in different regimes and the analysis of XOS/xylan ratios for potential food formulations; in parallel, the stability of lyophilised extracts and residual inhibitory substances after pH neutralisation were analysed. In addition, pH neutralisation protocols were developed and validated, acid hydrolysis of the oat hull dust fraction was validated as a source of microalgal carbon, technical data sheets for prebiotic extracts for food use were prepared, and an assessment of EU legislation in the context of food labelling and claims was carried out to ensure the continued usability and regulatory compliance of the extracts developed.
Research on substrate pre-fermentation using bacteria initiated under Activity 2d.2 Zymomonas mobilis, using oat husk acid hydrolysate as substrate. Tested at Crypthecodinium cohnii and Schizochytrium limacinum growth on oat hull acid hydrolysate and based on the growth parameters for further studies with pre-fermented substrates based on oat hull acid hydrolysate selected Schizochytrium limacinum.
Studies on microalgae carried out under Activity 2d.3 Graesiella emersonii and Galdieria sulphuraria Cultivation on oat hulls acid hydrolysate at different substrate concentrations and substrate pH. Biomass growth and substrate consumption were evaluated. On the basis of the data obtained, the following was selected as more promising for further study Galdieria sulphuraria.
Activity 2d6 initiates research on the use of hemicellulose hydrolysates containing xylooligosaccharides (XOS) as additives for the development of polyfunctional products. Based on the data obtained in Activity 2d1 on the composition and properties of XOS-containing hydrolysates, the selection, evaluation and development of technological protocols for potential products as a base for polyfunctional products has been initiated.
Overview of the period 01.01.2026-31.03.2026.
Between 1 January and 31 March 2026, research work continued on project activities 2d1, 2d2 and 2d3 and research activities 2d6 were initiated.
Between January and the end of March, activity 2d1 involved the identification, development and initial pilot testing of spray drying protocols, including the extraction of prebiotic extracts for spray drying tests, test performance and mass balance calculations; in parallel, comparative analysis of spray drying and freeze drying tests, comparative evaluation of intermediate and final products on quality and stability aspects, and assessment of rheological and other physical properties of spray drying products. In addition, pH improvement and inhibitor reduction tests were performed, regulatory aspects related to pH and inhibitor correction were evaluated, moisture content, hydrophilicity, and storage stability of spray dried extracts were assessed, and oat dust was extracted for the preparation of fermentation substrates for subsequent steps.
In the framework of Activity 2d.2, further research on substrate pre-fermentation using bacteria Zymomonas mobilis, using oat husk acid hydrolysate as substrate. Continued at Schizochytrium limacinum Optimisation of cultivation parameters on oat hull dust hydrolysate. Initiation of studies on Schizochytrium limacinum changes in biomass composition under different cultivation conditions, with particular emphasis on the lipid content of the biomass.
Under Activity 2d.3, research on the cultivation of microalgae on oat hull dust hydrolysate is continued. Biomass growth parameters were compared under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. The results show that the microalgae Graesiella emersonii show higher biomass yield and productivity on a given substrate under mixotrophic conditions. Research has been initiated on Graesiella emersonii changes in biomass composition under different cultivation conditions.
Activity 2d.6 continued research on the use of hemicellulose hydrolysates containing xylooligosaccharides (XOS) as additives for the development of polyfunctional products. Several recipe variants for XOS-containing ice-cream have been developed, using as XOS source the XOS-containing raw extract prepared under Activity 2d1.
