Exploration and development of new enzymes that can be used to produce valuable monosaccharides and oligosaccharides from seaweed and kelp

Project title: CarboZymes

Partners: The algae factory

Research Fund: Technology Development Fund

Initial year: 2019

Contact

Björn Þór Aðalsteinsson

Project Manager

bjornth@matis.is

The aim of the project is to develop an enzyme 'toolbox' - CarboZymes - which breaks down seaweed into valuable substances. Seaweed is a poorly utilized resource that grows in large numbers off the coast of Iceland.

In addition to other substances, algae contain large amounts of polysaccharides. The project will develop enzymes that break down the algae polysaccharides ulvan, xylan, carrageenan and fucoidan into valuable substances.

The product of the project will contribute to an increased supply of rare new substances (polysaccharides and polysaccharides) for industries such as food and pharmaceutical manufacturers.