Biopolymers from algae

The background to the project “Development of a process for the extraction of exopolysaccharides from the red alga Porphyridium sp. as an active substance for the prophylactic treatment of the bee disease nosemosis” is the importance of insects (bees, bumblebees) in the production of crop species, as approx. 70% of the crop species produced worldwide require insect pollination. One of the most common and widespread diseases of adult bees and bumblebees in Europe is nosemosis, which is caused by microsporidia of the genus Nosema. In conjunction with other stress factors (pesticides, reduced food supply, climate change), this disease is a cause of increased bee mortality. The only effective treatment to date is the antibiotic fumagillin, which is, however, no longer allowed to be used in most European member states due to possible residues in honey.

Red algae of the genus Porphyridium form sulphated exopolysaccharides, for which numerous inhibitory and protective properties such as antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects have been described. These exopolysaccharides have also been described as having activity against the parasites that cause the disease nosemosis.

The aim of the project is to develop a preparation against these parasites based on the effectiveness of exopolysaccharides from red algae.

This requires the technical cultivation of the red algae with subsequent extraction of the exopolysaccharides from the culture medium. The polysaccharide fractions obtained in this way must then be purified and optimized or modified with regard to their product properties so that they can be administered in a suitable form as an active ingredient in animal feed.

Project partner: BioSolutions Halle GmbH
Duration: 01.10.2020 – 30.06.2023
Funding body: FNR e.V. on behalf of the BMEL