Microalghe

Le microalghe costituiscono una materia prima tra le più promettenti per lo sviluppo di numerosi prodotti a elevato valore aggiunto, in particolare in ambito nutraceutico, farmaceutico, e bioenergetico, in relazione alle proprietà delle diverse specie algali.
Il CRS4, in collaborazione con il Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali dell’Università di Cagliari, è attivo nel settore delle microalghe dal 2006.
Le attività di ricerca e sviluppo del Centro – principalmente inquadrate all'interno del settore Bioscienze, in particolare nel programma Modellistica e Simulazione – riguardano studi, simulazioni e analisi nel campo della modellazione di processi biochimici e biofisici e in quello della proliferazione, crescita e differenziazione di batteri, lieviti e cellule umane e fotosintetiche. Le competenze interdisciplinari del CRS4, anche grazie all'utilizzo delle piattaforme NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) e HPC (High Performance Computing) interne al Centro, favoriscono un approccio olistico ai problemi tipici delle biotecnologie e scienze della vita.

• Proliferazione, crescita e differenziazione di cellule
• Cinetiche metaboliche e consumo di ossigeno in tessuti e cellule
• Sequestro di CO₂ con micro-alghe
• Produzione di biocarburanti, bioplastiche e lubrificanti
• Produzione di componenti per cosmesi, nutraceutica, farmaceutica ecc.

«Le microalghe si possono coltivare in modo semplice e hanno la capacità di vivere in ambienti di anidride carbonica al 100%: sono il cibo ideale per gli astronauti che esplorano lo spazio profondo».

Si tratta di organismi unicellulari fotosintetici e, quindi, in grado di sintetizzare gli zuccheri e l’energia necessaria alla loro vita sfruttando solamente sali minerali naturali, luce ed anidride carbonica. Le microalghe attirano interesse sempre crescente da parte di istituiti di ricerca, industria e responsabili politici per testarne le potenzialità in numerosi settori.

Definite anche come biofabbriche verdi, trovano in impiego in nutraceutica, per la produzione di integratori e alimenti fortificati; in acquacoltura, per l’allevamento di molluschi, crostacei e pesci; nel settore della cosmetica e in ambito farmaceutico, per la sintesi di molecole bioattive; nel campo bioenergetico, per la progettazione di biomasse dall’elevato rendimento.

2018-2020
Obiettivo: identificazione di nuovi prodotti basati su alghe autoctone da commercializzare in diversi mercati strategici: nutraceutico, biomedico, cosmetico e agroalimentare. Per questo scopo si sono individuati nuovi ceppi algali e terreni adatti alla coltivazione, alla ottimizzazione della tecnologia di estrazione, nonché alla sperimentazione di un impianto pilota per l'estrazione.
Soggetti coinvolti: Coordinato dal CINSA (Centro interdipartimentale di Ingegneria e Scienze Ambientali dell'Università di Cagliari), realizzato in collaborazione con il CRS4 e con il coinvolgimento di 18 imprese locali.
Fondi: Il programma è inserito nel piano "Top-down cluster actions" promosso dall'agenzia regionale Sardegna Ricerche e finanziato su fondi POR FESR Sardegna 2014-2020.

Apri la scheda del progetto CoMiSar

• 26/03/2021 Accordo di collaborazione tra CRS4 e Tolo Green per la coltivazione di microalghe negli impianti di Arborea (OR) e all’Expo di Dubai
• 27/10/2020 Coltivazione di microalghe sarde per applicazioni industriali: i risultati del progetto COMISAR
• 19/11/2019 Microalghe, ricerca e applicazioni industriali. Il sesto seminario del CRS4 per imprenditori, a Cagliari
• 13/06/2019 Progetto COMISAR, microalghe sarde per applicazioni industriali
• 26/03/2018 PROGETTO CLUSTER TOP DOWN COMISAR

• Linea Verde - RaiUno: Sulla nostra pagina facebook il video estratto della puntata del 17 aprile 2021, in cui si parla della coltivazione della microalga spirulina in Sardegna.

1. A. Concas, A. Steriti, M. Pisu, M., & G. Cao, “Experimental and theoretical investigation of the effects of iron on growth and lipid synthesis of microalgae in view of their use to produce biofuels.”, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9 (4), 105349 (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105349
2. G. A. Lutzu, A. Ciurli, C. Chiellini, F. Di Caprio, A. Concas, and N. T. Dunford. "Latest developments in wastewater treatment and biopolymer production by microalgae." Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2020): 104926,
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2020.104926
3. G. A. Lutzu, M.A. Marin, A.Concas and N.T. Dunford “Growing Picochlorum oklahomensis in hydraulic fracturing wastewater supplemented with animal wastewater” Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 231 (9), 457 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04826-1
4. V. Malavasi, S. Soru, A. Concas, M. Pisu, G. Fais, P. Caboni, and G. Cao, "Extremophile microalgae for biotechnological applications." Journal of Biological Research 92 (2019): 3-3.
5. S. Soru, V. Malavasi, A. Concas, P. Caboni, and G. Cao, "A novel investigation of the growth and lipid production of the extremophile microalga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048 under the effect of different cultivation conditions: Experiments and modeling," Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 377, 120589, (2019,) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.12.049
6. A. Concas, G.A. Lutzu, M. Pisu and G. Cao,” Biofuel production from Pseudochloris wilhelmii cultivated in sea-wastewater mixtures: modeling and experiments, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, vol.7 (5), 103301 ( 2019), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2019.103301.
7. S. Soru, V. Malavasi, A. Concas, P. Caboni, and G. Cao, “Effect of nitrogen starvation and pH variation on the cultivation of the extremophile microalga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048.,” Chemical Engineering Transactions., vol. 76, In press, 2019.
8. A. Concas, M. Pisu and G. Cao, “Mathematical Modeling of the Size-Structured Growth of Microalgae Dividing by Multiple Fission,” Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 76, In press, 2019.
9. S. Soru, V. Malavasi, P. Caboni, A. Concas, and G. Cao, “Behavior of the extremophile green alga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048 in terms of lipids production and morphology at different pH values,” Extremophiles, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 79–89, 2019.
10. A. Concas, V. Malavasi, M. Pisu, S. Soru, and G. Cao, Experiments and modeling of the growth of C. sorokiniana in lab batch and BIOCOIL photobioreactors for lipid production, Chemical Engineering Transactions vol. 57. 2017.
11. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “A novel mathematical model to simulate the size-structured growth of microalgae strains dividing by multiple fission,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 287, pp. 252–268, Mar. 2016.
12. M. Orsini et al., “Complete genome sequence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of chlorella sorokiniana,” Mitochondrial DNA, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 1539–1541, 2016.
13. A. Concas, V. Malavasi, C. Costelli, P. Fadda, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Autotrophic growth and lipid production of Chlorella sorokiniana in lab batch and BIOCOIL photobioreactors: Experiments and modeling,” Bioresource Technolpgies, vol. 211, pp. 327–338, 2016.
14. M. Orsini et al., “Complete sequence and characterization of mitochondrial and chloroplast genome of Chlorella variabilis NC64A,” Mitochondrial DNA Part A, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 3128–3130, 2016.
15. M. Orsini et al., “Complete genome sequence of chloroplast DNA (CPDNA) of chlorella sorokiniana,” Mitochondrial DNA, vol. 27, no. 2, 2016.
16. A. Concas, M. Pisua, G. Cao, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Microalgal cell disruption through Fenton reaction: Experiments, modeling and remarks on its effect on the extracted lipids composition,” Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 43, pp. 367–372, 2015.
17. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Disruption of microalgal cells for lipid extraction through Fenton reaction: Modeling of experiments and remarks on its effect on lipids composition,” Chemical Engineering Journal , vol. 263, pp. 392–401, Mar. 2015.
18. G. A. Lutzu, A. Concas and G. Cao, “Batch growth kinetics of Nannochloris eucaryotum and its cultivation in semi-batch photobioreactors under 100 %v/v CO2: Experimental and modeling analysis,” Chemical Engineering Transactions vol. 43, pp. 355–360, 2015.
19. A. Concas, M. Orsini, R. Cusano, and G. Cao, “The Role of Mathematical Modeling and Genetic Engineering for the Microalgae Based Technology,” Chem. Eng. Trans., vol. 43, 2015.
20. A. Concas, A. Steriti, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Mathematical modeling of the effect of iron on the growth and the bio-oil productivity of chlorella vulgaris,” Chemical Engineering Transactions, vol. 38, pp. 181–186, 2014.
21. A. Steriti, R. Rossi, A. Concas, and G. Cao, “A novel cell disruption technique to enhance lipid extraction from microalgae,” Bioresource Technology., vol. 164, 2014.
22. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, Engineering aspects related to the use of microalgae for biofuel production and CO2 capture from flue gases. R. Orrù and G. Cao (eds.), Springer ISBN 978-94-017-8776-5, 73-111 (2014).
23. A. Concas, A. Steriti, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Comprehensive modeling and investigation of the effect of iron on the growth rate and lipid accumulation of Chlorella vulgaris cultured in batch photobioreactors,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 153, pp. 340–350, 2014.
24. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, Mathematical modelling of chlorella vulgaris growth in semi-batch photobioreactors fed with pure CO 2 , Chemical Engineering Transactions 2013, vol. 32. 1021-1026.
25. A. Concas, G. A. G. A. Lutzu, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Experimental analysis and novel modeling of semi-batch photobioreactors operated with Chlorella vulgaris and fed with 100%(v/v) CO 2 ,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 213, pp. 203–213, Dec. 2012.
26. A. Concas, G. Corrias, R. Orrù, R. Licheri, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Remarks on ISRU and ISFR technologies for manned missions on moon and mars,” Eurasian Chemico-technological Journal, vol. 14, no. 3, 2012.
27. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, “Novel simulation model of the solar collector of BIOCOIL photobioreactors for CO2 sequestration with microalgae,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 157, no. 2–3, pp. 297–303, Mar. 2010.
28. A. Concas, M. Pisu, and G. Cao, Novel simulation model of BIOCOIL photobioreactors forCO 2 sequestration, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 2009, vol. 17, pp. 1113-1118

1. A. Concas, A., Pisu, M. & Cao, G., 2014. Engineering Aspects Related to the Use of Microalgae for Biofuel Production and CO 2 Capture from Flue Gases. In Current Environmental Issues and Challenges. Springer, pp. 73-111.

1. Concas A, Costelli C, Cusano R, Orsini M, Angius A, Cao G. (2014). The role of mathematical modeling and genetic engineering for microalgae based technology”, Proceedings of the IV International Congress on Green process Engineering, Sevilla (Spain).
2. Concas A., Lutzu G.A, Locci A.M. and Cao G. (2013), Nannochloris eucaryotum growth in batch photobioreactors: kinetic analysis and use of 100% (v/v) CO2, ADVANCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, 2, 19-33. ISSN: 2234-1722
3. Concas A., Pisu M. and Cao G. (2013). Mathematical Modelling of Chlorella Vulgaris Growth in Semi-batch Photobioreactors Fed with Pure CO2”, AIDIC Conference Series Vol. 11, 121-130. ISBN 0390-2358.
4. Concas A, et al., (2011). Development of novel ISRU and ISFR technologies for future manned space missions. MARS SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS, vol. 4, p. 16-19, ISSN: 2037-6928.
5. Concas A and Cao G (2011). Riduzione di gas serra con tecnologia a microalghe e produzione di biopetrolio. LA CHIMICA E L'INDUSTRIA, p. 36-37, ISSN: 0009-4315.
6. Concas A. and Cao G., “Sequestro di CO 2 e produzione di biopetrolio mediante microalghe: la sfida sui processi”, Informazione Ordine Ingegneri Provincia di Cagliari, 109, 5-10 (2008).

1. Soru S, Malavasi V, Concas A, Caboni P, and Cao G, “Effect of nitrogen starvation and pH variation on the cultivation of the extremophile microalga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048.,” ICheaP-14, 14th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Bologna, 26-29 Maggio 2019.
2. Concas A, Pisu M, and Cao G, “Mathematical Modeling of the Size-Structured Growth of Microalgae Dividing by Multiple Fission,” ICheaP-14, 14th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Bologna, 26-29 Maggio 2019.
3. Soru S, Malavasi V, Concas A, Caboni P, and Cao G, “Growth and lipid production of the novel extremophile microalga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048 under nitrogen starvation conditions: experiments and modeling,” ISCRE-25, 25th International Conference on Chemical Reaction Engineering, Firenze, 20-23 Maggio 2018.
4. Malavasi V, Soru S, Concas A, Montinaro S, Afzal M, Pisu M and Cao G, “Preliminary Study of the Effect of Iron on the Growth and Morphology of Extremophile Green Alga Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048” Gruppo Algologia, Società Botanica Italiana, Catania, 16-17 Novembre 2018.
5. Concas A, Malavasi V , Pisu M, Soru S and Cao G Experiments and Modeling of the Growth of C. sorokiniana in Lab Batch and BIOCOIL Photobioreactors for Lipid production. ICheaP-13, 13th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Milano, 28-31 Maggio 2017.
6. Malavasi V., Soru S., Concas A. and Cao G. Selection, cultivation and innovative applications of microalgae from the SCCA culture collection, Forum Italiano sulle Tecnologie Microalgali (FITEMI – 2017), 6/7th April (2017).
7. Concas A., Corrias G. and Cao G. (speaker), “A process for the production of useful materials to sustain manned space missions on Mars through in-situ resources utilization”, European Mars Society Conference, 14/16th October (2016).
8. Lutzu G A, Concas A, Cao G. Batch Growth Kinetics of Nannochloris Eucaryotum and its Cultivation in Semi-Batch Photobioreactors under 100% v/v CO2: Experimental and Modeling Analysis. In: ICheaP-12, 12th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Milano, 19-22 Maggio 2015.
9. Concas A, Pisu M, Cao G. Microalgal Cell Disruption Through Fenton Reaction: Experiments, Modeling and Remarks on its Effect on the Extracted Lipids Composition. In: ICheaP-12, 12th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Milano, 19-22 Maggio 2015.
10.  Concas A, Costelli C, Malavasi V, Orsini M, Cusano R, Angius A, Cao G (2015). The Role of Mathematical Modeling and Genetic Engineering for the Microalgae Based Technology. In: ICheaP-12, 12th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Milano, 19-22 Maggio 2015.
11. Corrias G., Concas A., Licheri R., Orrù R., Pisu M. and Cao G. (speaker), “Development of novel ISRU and ISFR technologies for space exploration”, Congresso Nazionale di Space Renaissance Italia, Milano, Italy, May (2014).
12. Concas A, Steriti A, Pisu M, Cao G (2014). Mathematical Modeling of the Effect of Iron on the Growth and the Bio-Oil Productivity of Chlorella Vulgaris. In: IBIC2014: 14th International Conference on Industrial Biotechnology, Roma, 8-11 Giugno 2014.
13. Concas A, Costelli C, Malavasi V, Orsini M, Cusano R, Angius A, Cao G. “The role of mathematical modeling and genetic engineering for the microalgae based technology”, GPE 4th International Congress on Green Process Engineering, Sevilla, Spain, February (2014).
14. Concas A., Pisu M. and Cao G. Microalgae based technology for biofuels production and CO2 capture, III Convegno Nazionale “Chimica e Tecnologie per la Salvaguardia Ambientale e lo Sviluppo Sostenibile”, Palermo, Italy (2013).
15. Concas A, Costelli C, Cusano R, Orsini M, Angius A, Cao G.. Microalgae based technology for biofuels production and CO2 capture: The role of mathematical modeling and genetic engineering. In: La sfida dei terawatt: quale ricerca per l'energia del futuro? - The terawatt challange: what research for our future?. Roma, Accademia dei Lincei, 5-6 Novembre 2013
16. Concas A., Pisu M. and Cao G. (speaker), “Semi-batch photobioreactors for microalgae growth operated under extreme conditions”, ECCE9, The Hague, The Netherlands, April (2013).
17. Concas A, Pisu M, Cao G. Mathematical modelling of chlorella vulgaris growth in semi-batch photobioreactors fed with pure CO2 In: ICheaP-11, 11th International Conference on Chemical & Process Engineering, Milano, 2-5 Giugno 2013
18. Concas A. “Biofuels production and CO2 capture through microalgae-based technology” CRS4 Seminar Series 2012. Cagliari, 2012.
19. Concas A., Corrias G., Steriti A. and Cao G. Coltivazione di microalghe per la produzione di biopetrolio e prodotti ad alto valore aggiunto. Congresso Annuale Consorzio INCA c/o Ecomondo, Rimini (BO), Italy, November (2012).
20. Concas A, Pisu M, Cao G. Novel simulation model of BIOCOIL photobioreactors for CO2 sequestration. In: ICheaP-9, The 9th International Conference on Chemical and Process Engineering, Roma, 10-13 Maggio 2009