Clean and green microalgae production systems can use sunlight to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into a wide range of products including proteins, oils, pigments, bioplastics, nanomaterials, novel carbon-storing building biomaterials, and even pharmaceuticals. Following the global success of solar power and solar heating, research on this transformational “third way” of harnessing the sun’s power for green production is being driven at The University of Queensland’s Centre for Solar Biotechnology.
Research leader Professor Ben Hankamer says systems using single-celled green algae can address climate change in three important ways: microalgae systems absorb carbon dioxide, this carbon dioxide can then be stored for the long term (in building materials, for instance), and the amount of carbon dioxide produced during manufacturing can be significantly reduced.
With the world facing threats on multiple fronts, from climate change to pandemics to freshwater shortages, Professor Hankamer says he and his colleagues are focused on developing solar-driven biotechnologies to boost planetary sustainability and resilience. Microalgae technologies can help Australia move to Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions, he adds, while expanding quality regional jobs and export opportunities.
“Harnessing the photosynthetic power of microalgae is a complex procedure that can potentially produce a wide array of products and services,” Professor Hankamer says. “With a vast land and ocean estate, huge solar resources and advanced infrastructure, Australia is one of the best locations internationally for this technology to be expanded to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Solar biotechnology platforms can produce the necessities of life: fuels, foods, and clean water. Microalgae can be grown in fresh, saline and sea water, Professor Hankamer says, adding the algae can absorb nutrients from water, which can prevent agricultural fertilisers polluting waterways.
With biosorption, biodegradation and bioaccumulation, these microalgae systems are being developed to support water purification, while generating oxygen and clean water as well as biomass. This biomass can be processed to produce a wide array of products, the Centre’s researchers have found.
“Our team has to solve challenges at different scales,” Professor Hankamer says. “At the atomic scale, Solar Biotechnology Centre researchers use electron microscopes to visualise the cellular machinery that captures light; while on a scale of kilometres, we are designing the light-driven cell factories of the future.”
The centre’s researchers are also developing microalgae systems that can use light to produce novel small-cell pharmaceuticals, target-specific antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies that can be used to treat a range of illnesses, including cancer.
Microalgae has already proved commercially successful, with microalgae health food products chlorella and spirulina powder now widely available in retail outlets.
The Centre for Solar Biotechnology team has worked with more than 50 private sector partners on the development of commercially feasible solar-powered biotechnology applications. As processes are improved and costs are reduced, Hankamer says, options such as the production of critical sustainable aviation fuels will emerge.
“We are keen to work closely with government and industry,” he adds. “Government has a pivotal role to play in setting policy to make Australia the most attractive place to expand this industry and in backing our scientists so we can help society.”