Isolation of marine microalgae for sustainable production of squalene

Marine microalgae are currently used as a source of high value polyunsaturated lipids such as DHA and EPA. The focus of this research is to isolate a strain of marine microalgae that can produce commercially viable amounts of squalene. Squalene is a high value hydrocarbon that is predominately extracted from the liver of deep sea sharks and its consumption is associated with health benefits. Environmentally this is irresponsible for the protection of deep sea wild life to continue this method for obtaining squalene. Using microalgae in heterotrophic fermentations could be a sustainable way to produce this high value product. This project will focus on deriving a renewable squalene source from marine microalgae using biotechnology and sustainable methods. It will benefit Mara Renewable Corporation by allowing exploration of new and potentially more productive microalgae strains for producing a new value-added product.

Faculty Supervisor:

Su-Ling Brooks

Student:

Partner:

Mara Renewables

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Sustainability & the Environment; Biotechnology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: