Project Leader: Dr. Hab. Agnieszka Zienkiewicz, Prof. UMK
Human activity over the past century has significantly impacted the environment, primarily through increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions into the atmosphere. CO₂ is one of the main drivers of climate change, the effects of which are now observed worldwide. In response to these challenges, microalgae—small, single-celled plant organisms—have attracted growing interest due to their exceptional ability to capture atmospheric CO₂. Thanks to their resilience to harsh conditions, rapid growth, and efficient photosynthesis, microalgae represent a promising source of renewable biomass. Moreover, they are an excellent source of valuable chemical compounds such as proteins, lipids, and pigments, which find applications across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.
The Decarbon3BIO project focuses on developing modern, integrated CO₂ capture systems using microalgae. A key element will be testing selected microalgal strains in specialized photobioreactors—closed systems that allow precise control over growth conditions. The aim of these studies is to select microalgal strains that most efficiently capture carbon dioxide and produce the highest biomass yield.
In the next stage of the project, a detailed biochemical analysis of the produced biomass will be conducted to identify the most valuable substances, including:
- Lipids – essential for producing advanced biofuels, including bio-jet fuel, and an important source of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (PUFAs).
- Terpenes and terpenoids – organic compounds with wide applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including natural pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, used in food products, animal feed, dietary supplements, and cosmeceuticals.
- Organic compounds for biofertilizer production, which improve soil quality and support plant growth.
By integrating advanced analytical techniques and applying circular economy principles, the Decarbon3BIO project aims to enhance environmental sustainability, economic viability, and resource efficiency. Our holistic approach—combining local environmental analyses with modern research methods—aims to create “zero-waste” systems that are both economically profitable and contribute to global CO₂ reduction, as well as the development of environmentally friendly technologies for biofuel and bioproduct production. The data obtained will provide a solid foundation for designing and implementing large-scale international collaborative projects involving industrial partners.