RecAl – Development of a nutrient-rich and neuroprotective algae extract

Project description:

The health-promoting effects of substances from micro- and macro-algae, such as essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, have been known for some time and are used both in the feed industry and as dietary supplements for humans. Additionally, recent studies of microalgae indicate the presence compounds that have a protective effect on brain cells and are thus suitable for preventive or possibly therapeutic use against neurodegeneration.

Thus, the main goal of this project is to develop a formulated, high-quality dietary supplement (e.g. an extract) from algae that combines optimal concentrations of nutritive and bioactive compounds from different types of algae (microalgae and macroalgae) into a single “high-value” product, and to extend this product to include neuroprotective effects on brain cells. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the University of Bremen (research group Marine Chemistry (Prof. Dr. Tilmann Harder) and research group Neurobiochemistry (Prof. Dr. Ralf Dringen)) and the companies MIAL GmbH (Bad Zwischenahn) and CRM GbR (Kiel).

Our tasks:

  • Procurement and cultivation of macroalgae
  • Product development of a cosmeceutical

Project staff:

  • Dipl. Ing. Susanne Woldmann, project management
  • Dr. Levent Piker, Managing Director CRM
  • Dipl.-Ing. Christian Koch, MBA, market research

Funding by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Period: November 2017 to October 2020

Project partners:

  • University of Bremen
  • Alfred Wegner Institute
  • MIAL GmbH

Contact

Dr. Levent Piker

Dr. Levent Piker
levent.piker@crm-online.de