SyMBioTech: Systems engineering for Microalgae BioTechnology​

The multi-faceted potential of SyMBioTech is reflected in steady growth of the Global Microalgae Biomass Market which is set to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.3% to reach around €4 Billion by 2027. Developing outputs from the Enterprise Ireland funded project SyMO3, we are currently in an intensive development phase that will bring our prototype PdBR technology to TRL 7 by the end of May 2022. In tandem with this, we are developing a structured business model to meaningfully address omega-3 market opportunities and develop partnerships with potential customers to refine our oil extracts. We have invention disclosures pending for our prototype PdBR, species-specific light recipes, cropping protocols and core product applications.

Next year, SyMBioTech would like to build its first facility and we are now raising funds for that. To that end, we are seeking investment of €500,000 to scale capacity and produce of 16.5 tons of semi-dry biomass in our first year of production. Working with clients, the 6.5 tons of derived omega-3 rich lipids (~1.95 tons of EPA+DHA) will be produced into a suite of customised lipid products for use in dietary supplements, functional food and other high-value sectors.

Within the parent project, SyMO3 we are currently in the process of recruiting an agri-food business consultant to aid in the identification of the optimal model for SyMBioTechs offerings. These include but are not limited to:
B2B licensing of SyMBioTechs' patent-pending PdBR production process,
B2B sales of unrefined/refined microalgae oils and other valuable components, and/or
B2C sales of a finished dietary supplement or functional food products.

In all of the above cases, development of the SyMBioTech business model will focus on
1. Optimizing the internal licensing/production process
2. Innovating within the selected supply chain: working with end-users and suppliers and
3. Innovating within the ecosystem, outside of the selected supply chain, for development of verticals additional to technology licensing or Omega-3 ingredients or enriched final products

We have invention disclosures pending for our prototype PdBR, species-specific light recipes, cropping protocols and core product applications.

At this stage of development, our bioreactor technology is undergoing beta-testing and cultivation conditions being optimised for higher biomass and lipids yields.

Currently over 80% of global Omega-3 lipids originate from the wild stocks of Peruvian anchovy. Due to the combined impacts of chronic over-fishing and ocean warming however, annual fish-oil production has flat-lined at approximately 1 million metric tons over the past decade. Used primarily in the manufacture of aquafeed for an exponentially growing aquaculture sector, demand for Omega-3s for direct human use market has grown 40% in the last decade and is expected to reach €3.2 billion by 2026 (CAGR 7.2% 2020-2026). Of this, the EU market is expected to represent 25%, reaching €800 million over the next 5 years. High consumer demand combined with increasing demand from the aquaculture sector and dwindling wild fisheries sources is therefore resulting in a massive supply-deficit which the UN Food & Agriculture Organization predicts will reach ~2.3 MMT Omega-oils per year by 2025.

A one hundred times richer source of these essential oils than fish, microalgae are a most promising alternative. Taking an attached biofilm approach to cultivation, SyMBioTechs core technology aims to reduce microalgae biomass production costs by up to 50% to provide a year-round supply of tailored, plant-based Omega-3 blends for the dietary supplements and functional foods sectors (fortified dairy and sports beverages). At present, the SyMO3 project has validation from five sectoral representatives, including global organisations BASF-pharma, KD-Pharma and Ornua dairy, of the growing need for greater supply of omega-3s and the potential of microalgae to fulfill this need.

In addition to high-value lipids, microalgae are rich in edible proteins. Global demand for plant-proteins expected to reach around € 62 billion by 2027. Targeting this market, SyMBioTech is working with the School of Food and Nutritional Science at UCC to develop new meat and seafood analogues from delipidated microalgae biomass. Using the SyMO3 PdBR system, protein yields up to 19.5 tons per hectare per year in an Irish-climate have been extrapolated from lab studies – far exceeding those from terrestrial protein crops.

Thirdly, as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth, delipidated deproteinated biomass from the SyMO3 process can go to manufacture of sustainable aquafeed and fertilisers.

Finally, looking to the inorganic biomass fraction, an additional focus of SyMBioTech is in the valorisation of silica material uniquely to a number of SyMBioTech cultivars and that can efficiently capture and concentrate sunlight even at very low levels. When incorporated into the most common type of solar panel, i.e. silicon solar panels, this material is shown to increase light capture by at least 4%. This equates to at least €1.2 billion euros for the solar panel industry annually and according to World Wildlife Foundation, 1 kg of diatom silica used in solar panel applications can reduce CO2 emissions by 200 tons per year. In new, more flexible type solar panels i.e. dye-sensitised solar panels, efficiency gains of up to 38% are recently reported. In collaboration with the School of Electronic Engineering at UCC we are currently reviewing opportunities for use of our silica biomass in solar cell technology.