UWB Crest

Novel Ingredients from Seaweed Extracts (NISE)

Processing

Targeted Extraction

Seaweeds are know to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins and minerals as well as bioactive compounds. The target molecules to be extracted cover a wide range of molecular size and polarity. Extraction techniques have been selected to sequentially extract these starting with the smallest and least polar molecules, such as lipids and sterols, up to the polar macromolecules such as polysaccharides and proteins.

Green Processing

In carrying out this extraction we are looking to use the cleanest and most efficient methods of extraction and we will focus on using solvents such as carbon dioxide, ethanol and water. In addition we will also study pre-treatment of the seaweed to make the molecules easily accessible. This will include wet and dry fractionation using a combination of techniques but always considering those which require the least energy to achieve the desired results.

Pilot Plant (2 x 16 litre extractors)