Pioneering PEF in Microalgae Applications
iAlgaePro, 2014 - 2017
International collaboration to unlock microalgae’s full potential using Elea’s Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology for growth stimulation, gentle extraction of high-value compounds like phycocyanin, and effective microbial decontamination.
Harnessing the “green gold” of the future
2014-2017, coordinated by the Research Association of the German Food Industry (FEI) and involving partners in Germany and Belgium, iAlgaePro united research institutions including the German Institute of Food Technology (DIL), the Institute for Food and Environmental Research (ILU), and technology providers such as Elea.
The project explored sustainable cultivation and processing of Spirulina platensis, Scenedesmus dimorphus, and other microalgae to produce functional proteins, natural pigments, and bioactive compounds for food and feed.
PEF system and integration
An Elea 5 kW continuous pilot-scale PEF system for liquids and semi-liquids was coupled directly to a Mesh Ultra-Thin Layer (MUTL) photobioreactor, enabling both continuous stimulation of cultures during growth and short-batch treatments for screening optimal energy inputs. This integration allowed precise testing from lab to pilot scale.
1. PEF for growth potential
Low-intensity pulsed electric fields enhanced biomass productivity and improved the nutritional profile. MUTL cultivation combined with continuous PEF stimulation increased antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content, and altered fatty acid composition — producing algae with enhanced nutraceutical potential compared to reference methods.
PEF treatment facilitated gentle cell disintegration, releasing higher yields of proteins, enzymes, and pigments without chemical solvents or added enzymes. A striking example was phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina:
Control: 0.2 mg/ml
PEF-treated: 66.4 mg/ml
This represents an over 330-fold increase in yield, while preserving pigment quality. Phycocyanin is the only natural blue colourant approved for food without E-numbers, valued at up to €3,800/kg depending on purity.
2. PEF for extraction
3. PEF for decontamination
Inactivation trials demonstrated that PEF effectively reduced microbial contamination in fresh or stored biomass, ensuring suitability for food applications while maintaining heat-sensitive nutrients.
The project extended into practical trials, producing algae-enriched crackers, ice cream, chocolate, pasta, and snack products. Consumer studies indicated a clear preference for certain algae formulations, supporting the pathway from lab innovation to market-ready concepts.
From research to real products
By combining MUTL cultivation, membrane-based harvesting, and energy-efficient separation (achieving up to 70 % energy savings), the iAlgaePro consortium demonstrated a model for European microalgae production that is both sustainable and competitive, reducing dependency on imported biomass.
