Industry-academia partnership to develop algae-based supplies of omega-3 fatty acids

Edinburgh Napier University and AlgiSys to develop algae-based omega-3s as sustainable alternatives to fish oil and fishmeal

A new partnership between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Scottish-American biotechnology company AlgiSys will explore how algae could help ease global pressure on food supply.

Using biomass fermentation, AlgiSys produces EPA-rich omega-3s and plant protein from microalgae – a vegan alternative to fish oil that supports human, animal and fish health.

The company is teaming up with ENU to continue its work in Scotland to produce a healthier and more environmentally sustainable feed ingredient for salmon – the UK’s biggest food export – and the wider aquaculture industry. A new Memorandum of Understanding between AlgiSys and ENU will allow researchers to assess potential uses of algae-based products and evaluate how they might be scaled for commercial production.

As overfishing and climate change continue to strain global resources, the partnership reflects growing efforts to find viable, sustainable replacements for fish oil and fishmeal in the world’s food systems.

“The need for a sustainable source of omega-3 and plant protein products has never been greater, so our work with AlgiSys has huge potential to overcome significant food supply challenges,” said Professor Nick Wheelhouse, Director of ENU’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health. “While the immediate focus is on aquaculture, a major industry in Scotland, we believe their technology could have applications as a replacement for ingredients in pet food, human food supplements and pharmaceuticals.”