Who can we help?

The KTC can assist a diverse range of enterprises, in the following broad sectors, including:

Algal Products - enterprises interested in either growing microalgae or utilising an algal product: 

• Specialist feed manufacturers (agriculture and aquaculture);
• Nutraceutical and cosmeceutical manufacturers;
• Natural product biotechnologists;
• Biodiesel, biofuel and lubricants manufacturers.

Waste Remediation- enterprises that produce a waste stream that requires remediation:

• Energy producers, incinerator operators and any industry generating CO₂/heat as a by-product;
• Municipal waste water treatment companies;
• Anaerobic digester operators;
• Intensive livestock producers releasing 'point source' effluents (agriculture and aquaculture);
• Food processors releasing nutrient enriched wastes.

Alternative Markets - enterprises with a product or service that may have application in the algal biotechnological industry:

• Plastics and corrosion-resistant metals manufacturers;
• Specialist lighting and pumping;
• Liquid processing equipment (filtration and centrifugation);
• Algacidal efficacy testing;
• Analytical instruments.

Over the past months we have established collaborations with companies that fall in all of these categories and if you wish to discuss information and training opportunities or collaborative R&D, we would be delighted to organise a confidential scoping discussion at your convenience. 

Case study - Merlin Biodevelopments Ltd.

Merlin is a UK producer of high-quality live algal feeds supplying a variety of aquaculture hatcheries and the aquarium trade. They also supply technology, research and consultancy expertise in the sustainable culture of algae. Furthermore, Merlin approaches algaculture with a zero-waste concept, upgrading outputs and waste products from one process to supply another, adding further commercial viability and sustainability to their enterprise (click here for a poster visualising their concepts).

The KTC project has been in collaboration with Merlin since its initiation and is a perfect example of how our services and access to facilities can benefit enterprises in a number of ways. 

Most notably has been the appointment of a KESS sponsored PhD student working with the KTC and in collaboration with Merlin's –Techical Director Dr Dave Ellis - to optimise microalgal cultivation conditions for optimal product composition. The KTC has also undertaken analytical studies on behalf of Merlin to characterise algal composition and improve their product portfolio free of charge. 

For more information on Merlin Biodevelopments Ltd or any of our services, please get in touch.