Alga’Digest - Smart Algae Cultivation for Functional Food Applications: Enhancing β-Glucan and Nutrient Bioaccessibility
Summary
Food Biotechnology
Public, Fribourg Agri & Food
Agroscope
Frewitt
Spir’it Naturae
Carmen Jungo Rhême
Skills directory
March 2026 - February 2027
The aim of this project is to develop sustainable, high-value functional food ingredients from microalgae by combining optimized cultivation conditions and advanced cell disruption.
Alga’Digest project aims to develop a sustainable method for producing functional ingredients from microalgae for food applications.
By combining tailored autotrophic cultivation and advanced cell disruption with Frewitt’s NanoWitt technology, the project enhances bioactive compounds (notably high-value fibers) and improves nutrient bioaccessibility.
In vitro digestion tests at Agroscope and large-scale cultivation at Spir’it Naturae ensure a strong link between research and real-world applications.
The project includes a comparative study of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae.
The partners aim to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and market-ready solutions, contributing to healthier and sustainable food and regional economic development.