Most frequent

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Algae are usually single-celled (unicellular) organisms. These cells are solitary or grouped in clusters (colonies) or strings (filaments). Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis process generates oxygen as a by-product. This oxygen contributes to the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. Microalgae also are the beginning of the marine food chain and the primary source of essential nutrients for most marine species. There are almost 30,000 identified strains of microalgae, presenting a wide diversity of morphologies.

Microalgae or microalgal biomass and related product´s quality have not yet been regulated by law in the European Union for harmful contaminations such as heavy metals and pesticides. This means that there are also no defined threshold limits for harmful contaminations. Consequently, there are products being sold in the market which are contaminated. During the past 5 years, there has been placed in the market large amounts of microalgae produced during the so-called “biofuels projects”. Those projects aim to use microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration of gas emissions of several heavy-industries. The main problem is that the microalgae also uptake other substances which are present in those gases such as dioxins and heavy metals. We have analysed several samples of Nannochloropsis available in the market and some of them were highly contaminated with heavy metals. Even though buying microalgae is a matter of trust, there are several informations you should try to get from your supplier: 
Country of origin of the microalgae producer;
Product specifications and general composition;
Up-to-date certificate of analysis (ideally with biochemical composition and bacterial counts);
Material safety data sheet;
Analyses on heavy metals (ideally …)

We produce microalgae since 1997 – we really know about microalgae!

We commercialise microalgae concentrates since 2000, providing the best source of microalgae for aquaculture hatcheries, aquarium and ornamental breeders.

We provide high quality and easy-to-use products.

Product availability and fast response are guaranteed.

Our Costumers are supported by a team of marine biologists and engineers.

No additives and preservatives are added to products.

We supply our products worldwide.

Our photobioreactors are closed systems designed to provide a suitable environment for algae growth. Microalgae circulate along the PBRs with water and nutrients and mixing is enhanced by centrifugal pumps. Microalgae cultures are monitored daily to check microbiological quality and growth performance. Once they reach a certain density, they are harvested and fresh biomass is immediately processed.

In our facility, carbon dioxide is considered as a raw-material. We only use food-grade carbon dioxide.
We harvest microalgae through centrifugation which consists in separating microalgae from the medium by using a centrifuge.
Centrifugation is a mechanical process where addition of chemicals is unnecessary.
Microalgae might change shape and size along their life cycle and also along cultivation. A slight cell size change will cause an increment in cell volume. For this reason, cell number is not very informative of food value. A given biomass of filter feeders requires a certain biomass of phytoplankton to support their metabolism and growth, not a certain number of algal cells. The only way you can reliably calculate your required feed rates is to consider the biomass of your animals and the biomass/dry weight of the algal feed. Furthermore, microalgae size varies from 2 µm of Nannochloropis to 8 µm of Tetraselmis. In addition, the only way to compare our products with other marketed products is using a dry-weight basis. Moreover, if the result is 35 % dwt, it means that in 100 grams of product, 35 grams is microalgal biomass and 65 grams is water.
The concentrate PhytoBloom Green Formula must always be preserved in a refrigerator, between 0°C to 4°C and it should be used within 4 weeks. If you use the product irregularly, then shake at least once a week to promote cells suspension. Shaking the bottle before each use will ensure a more consistent dosage. You can continue using PhytoBloom Green Formula after its expiration date. You might stop using the product when you feel changes in odour. Even if the colour is not so green any longer it is only a sign of chlorophyll oxidation. It is important to note that our guarantee only covers product´s validity. The total refund of the product will only be done if it is proven that its degradation is due to the batch quality and not due to improper handling.
Yes, but cells will not be alive any longer. We have really creative Customer that make ice cubes with our fresh concentrate.
PhytoBloom Ice should be maintained at negative temperatures (-18ºC) and protected from strong light.
PhytoBloom Prof should be protected from high temperature and intense light. Once opened store in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. You should close the bags after using to avoid product degradation. Once package is open, vacuum will be lost.

Any question you would like to see answered

customer.phytobloom@necton.pt

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AlgaeNet4AV

Training network for exploring microalgae diversity for the development of novel antiviral compounds

Project number: 101086437

Objectives:

  • Develop transcriptomics and metabolomics resources from microalgae diversity as a valuable source of novel lectins and polyphenols with antiviral properties
  • Develop and optimize application-based microalgae culture systems at different scales and optimize culture conditions and downstream processing strategies for higher production rate of desired products
  • A range of different unexploited so far strains (extremophiles) that display high ability to produce polyphenols will be characterised and assessed
  • Develop, formulate and in vitro evaluate a new range of cosmetic products with antiviral activity, based on microalgae polyphenols and lectins
  • Provide a platform for the efficient transfer of knowledge and training between the academic and commercial partners
  • Identify and exploit new and emerging market opportunities

Period: January 2023 to December 2026

website

Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe

PBA – Vertical Algas

Pacto da Bioeconomia Azul - Vertical Algas

Referência: C644915664-00000026

Objetivos:

  • O Pacto da Bioeconomia Azul (PBA) tem como objetivo principal impulsionar o desenvolvimento de um novo sector económico industrial de ponta em Portugal, assente na aplicação sustentável de biorecursos marinhos em múltiplas indústrias. É um consórcio de 83 parceiros organizado em 7 verticais industriais.
  • O Vertical Algas corresponde ao um dos verticais do PBA, é liderado pela Necton e tem como principal objetivo a valorização de toda a cadeia de valor do setor das Algas em Portugal. Conta, por isso, com cerca de 40 entidades do tecido empresarial e académico português, focados no aproveitamento de nutrientes ou desperdícios de outras indústrias, na digitalização/automação dos processos produtivos, na melhoria do conhecimento das algas e no desenvolvimento de novos produtos baseados em algas.

Período: julho de 2022 a dezembro de 2025

 

project brochure
website

Funded by PRR – Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência and the Next Generation EU European Funds

Algae4IBD

FROM NATURE TO BEDSIDE- ALGAE BASED BIO COMPOUND FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION, PAIN AND IBD

Grant agreement ID: 101000501

Goal: Algae4IBD aims to develop functional food and medication against pain, inflammation and IBD from marine and freshwater micro and macroalgae (seaweed).

Period: June 2021 – May 2025

website

Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe

REALM

Reusing Effluents from Agriculture to unLock the potential of Microalgae

Grant agreement ID: 101060991

Goal: REALM will transform nutrient-rich drain waters from soilless farms into value, by producing microalgae at reduced costs while treating water and capturing CO2 from the air. This concept will increase the circularity and profitability of microalgal production and soilless farming.

Coordinator: Necton

Period: July 2022 – June 2026

website

Funding Scheme: Horizon Europe

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