NordAqua, a Nordic Center of Excellence to develop an algae-based photosynthetic production platform.

Yagut Allahverdiyeva,Christiane Funk,Hanne Skomedal,Carlos Escudero,Matilde Skogen Chauton,Bert Van Bavel,Kaarina Sivonen,Peter Lindblad,Jarna Heinonen,Sari Mäkinen,Eva‐Mari Aro,Jorunn Skjermo,Merja Penttilä,Lars Herfindal

doi:10.1111/ppl.13394

Abstract

NordAqua is a multidisciplinary Nordic Center of Excellence funded by NordForsk Bioeconomy program (2017-2022). The research center promotes Blue Bioeconomy and endeavours to reform the use of natural resources in a environmentally sustainable way. In this short communication, we summarize particular outcomes of the consortium. The key research progress of NordAqua includes (1) improving of photosynthetisis, (2) developing novel photosynthetic cell factories that function in a "solar-driven direct CO2 capture to target bioproducts" mode, (3) promoting the diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae as an abundant and resilient alternative for less sustainable forest biomass and for innovative production of biochemicals, and (4) improving the bio-based wastewater purification and nutrient recycling technologies to provide new tools for integrative circular economy platforms.

Highlights

A rapid replacement of carbon-intensive infrastructures with net-zero carbon alternatives is vital for mitigation of the climate crisis
The NordAqua research largely relies on the natural abundance and diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae, which provide a great opportunity for advancing research applicable to a Nordic blue bioeconomy
Algae biotechnologies combined with a circular economy approach, achieved by the integrated removal of water pollutants and recycling of natural resources, drives the NordAqua research program

Summary

Introduction

A rapid replacement of carbon-intensive infrastructures with net-zero carbon alternatives is vital for mitigation of the climate crisis. The NordAqua research largely relies on the natural abundance and diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae, which provide a great opportunity for advancing research applicable to a Nordic blue bioeconomy. Photosynthesis-based algal/cyanobacterial bio-production can be considered a truly sustainable platform, since it utilizes the available natural resources of sunlight, CO2, water and some minerals.

Results

Conclusion