Several Basque technology centres study the potential applications of microalgae in the food and energy sectors. Neiker-Tecnalia is involved in the photosynthetic production of biomass with high energy content to obtain biofuel. One of the major goals of the ALGAS project, funded by the Basque Government, is the selection of microalgal and cyanobacterial species and their adaptation to intensive culture under local climate conditions. Accordingly, the centre has a collection of algal species with high energy content (high lipid or sugar content) as well as a pilot plant for algal culture, harvesting and processing to get the final biomass.

Within the same project, microalgal genetic improvement is also dealt with. The manipulation of lipid production in these species through genetic engineering is an option to raise the economic competitiveness of microalgal biodiesel against other conventional fuels. The identification and control of lipogenic genes in oily species is a key issue to obtain strains with higher oil content.

Regarding food-related issues, the interest lies in the release of species presenting useful biomolecules for the agro-food industry (essential fatty acids, pigments, antioxidants and immune system promoters), and particularly for the improvement of aquaculture feed.

On the other hand, also in the food sector, Azti-Tecnalia and LEIA take part in the Inmugal project, together with Inbiotec, to study the incorporation of microalgal compounds in food formulations with immune-stimulating properties. In particular, the application of certain polysaccharides as functional ingredients to strengthen the immune system is addressed. The project involves the culture and growth of microalgae, their polysaccharide recovery and extraction, their protection by microencapsulation and the evaluation of their behaviour in animal models and in vitro studies, among others. This two-year research project is supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.