Algae and Microbial Biotechnology Division

Research in blue-biome science and technology focuses on basic organisms in aquatic ecosystems, where both microalgae, bacteria and fungi play an important role, as well as how these organisms individually or in ecological societies interact.

Microalgae are one of nature's most important resources, and this diverse group of microorganisms is mainly found in water. Over the past 20 years, interest in microalgae biotechnology has grown significantly due to the potential to produce high-value products of commercial value, such as special fatty acids and pigments. Microalgae are primary producers of long polyunsaturated fatty acids in nature.​

Research on microalgae was initiated at Nord University in 2009, to examine the potential of defatted biomass—derived as a co-product of biofuel production—as a feed ingredient for fish and shellfish. Ever since, through national and international funding, we have been examining defatted and whole microalgae as potential components in the fish feeds of different species.

Another line of research spans from identifying cold-adapted microalgae to in-depth molecular studies for optimizing their growing conditions and enriching their high-value metabolites such as fatty acids, pigments and polysaccharides. We are engaged in developing bioprocesses under different environmental conditions. This knowledge is important given that microalgae should have a future role in Norwgian bio-economy.  

Head of division: Kiron Viswanath