NordAqua, a Nordic Center of Excellence to develop an algae-based photosynthetic production platform
- Year of publication
- 2021
- Journal
- Physiologia Plantarum : An International Journal for Plant Biology
- Involved from NIVA
-
Bert van Bavel
- Contributors
- Yagut Allahverdiyeva, Eva-Mari Aro, Bert van Bavel, Carlos Escudero-Oñate, Christiane Funk, Jarna Heinonen, Lars Herfindal, Peter Lindblad, Sari Makinen, Merja Penttilä, Kaarina Sivonen, Matilde Skogen Chauton, Hanne Skomedal, Jorunn Skjermo
Summary
NordAqua is a multidisciplinary Nordic Center of Excellence funded by NordForsk Bioeconomy program (2017–2022). The research center promotes Blue Bioeconomy and endeavours to reform the use of natural resources in a environmentally sustainable way. In this short communication, we summarize particular outcomes of the consortium. The key research progress of NordAqua includes (1) improving of photosynthetisis, (2) developing novel photosynthetic cell factories that function in a “solar-driven direct CO2 capture to target bioproducts” mode, (3) promoting the diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae as an abundant and resilient alternative for less sustainable forest biomass and for innovative production of biochemicals, and (4) improving the bio-based wastewater purification and nutrient recycling technologies to provide new tools for integrative circular economy platforms.