Dış Kaynaklı Proje Süreçleri Yönetim Sistemi
The aim of this project is to develop a smart tubular photobioreactor (Smart-PBR), adaptable to different environmental conditions, primarily those specific to Qatar, and supported by artificial intelligence, for efficient microalgae cultivation, and to cultivate different microalgae species in Smart-PBR followed by isolation of protein fractions from the obtained biomass using enzymatic modification and acetylation of protein and non-thermal technologies (ultrasonication, cold plasma, and high-pressure) in order to develop sustainable, innovative, and alternative plant-based proteins with improved techno-functional and nutritional properties. The project includes the selection of microalgae species with different cell wall rigidities, such as Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina, with high biomass protein content approved for consumption as food by authorities like EFSA and FDA.
The objectives of the project include: (i) design and prototyping of Smart-PBR, (ii) determination of microalgae cultivation conditions compatible with the environmental conditions and seawater properties of Qatar, (iii) development of conventional and non-thermal processes for the modification of microalgae proteins, (iv) improvement of the techno-functional (e.g., amphiphilic, solubility and emulsifying properties) and nutritional (digestibility, peptide profile, allergenicity, antioxidant activity, anti-tumor activity) properties of microalgae proteins, (v) development of a microalgae production method with lower CO2 and water footprint compared to traditional methods.
In the initial phase of the project, development activities for Smart-PBR will be conducted. During these activities, datasets will be generated to determine the effects and interactions of e.g. nutrient concentrations, pH, salinity, and CO2 levels during microalgae (C. vulgaris and D. salina) cultivation on specific growth rates, dry weight, pigment content (total carotenoids and chlorophyll-a), and crude protein quantities. Various pre-processing steps are required for data preparation and transformation, including transferring information to appropriate database systems, variable creation, database management, filtering deviations, scanning product formulations, and finally integrating database management into unified datasets. The prepared and transformed data will be used in algorithm development and other software activities for Smart-PBR design, including:
1. Big Data Studies: Increasing the size, volume, and diversity of data related to biomass productivity and characterization due to microalgae production will enhance the learning capacity of artificial intelligence.
2. Algorithm Software: Algorithm software for the Smart-PBR system will be developed within this scope. Supervised learning methods will be utilized, using labeled data to make predictions based on what has been learned. Algorithms in supervised learning will consider product groups and diversity, employing classification and regression methods such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Decision Trees (DTs), and Linear Regression based on the obtained data.
3. Machine Learning, Model Training, Validation, and Testing: Machine learning studies, model training, and validation will be conducted to ensure the use of algorithm software outputs in the purification system. Different methods of machine learning will be employed, and prototype Smart-PBR will be manufactured based on the results with the highest reliability, repeatability, and precision.
Various artificial intelligence-based methods will be developed and applied to make microalgae cultivation more efficient for the intended purposes. By integrating IoT and data access networks, using combinatorial optimization and electronic engineering, the aim is to achieve AI-supported control of cultivation conditions. Integrated IoT will detect microalgae cultivation condition data and send it to internet PBR control system servers. Sensors will be used to obtain and send real-time data on microalgae cultivation to the servers, and this data will be regularly stored and monitored. For this purpose, the focus will be on measurements provided by embedded sensors in designated sections of the PBR system.
Concurrently with the activities related to Smart-PBR design and prototyping, optimization of non-thermal (ultrasonication, cold plasma, and high-pressure) process-supported modification and conventional (enzymatic modification and acetylation) will be conducted on lyophilized protein isolates (minimum 85% protein) obtained from microalgae biomass (C. vulgaris and D. salina) cultivated using conventional PBR technique. Response variables such as protein solubility, emulsification capacity, emulsion stability, antioxidant activity, and anti-tumor activity properties will be utilized for optimization studies. Independent variables for optimization studies will include sonication power and duration, cold plasma application duration and probe distance, and HP pressure value. Microalgae cultivation studies will be carried out in simulated and sterilized Doha seawater environment within the designed and manufactured Smart-PBR system. Validation of the Smart-PBR system will be conducted with this study. In the final phase of the project, conventionaş and non-thermal modification studies will be conducted using validated PBR system and lyophilized protein isolates obtained from C. vulgaris and D. salina cultivated in simulated Doha seawater environment. During the preparatory work of the project, no research or product related to the following topics was encountered in the scientific literature and market research:
- Smart-PBR system and microalgae cultivated with this system and their products
- Modified C. vulgaris protein with conventional and non-thermal methods
- Modified D. salina protein with conventional anf non-thermal methods
- Characterization of techno-functional properties of modified algae proteins
- Characterization of nutritional properties of modified algae proteins
Therefore, the project work carries technological and scientific originality. Additionally, obtaining alternative protein sources supportive of consumer health and nutrition with the developed smart, innovative, and original system directly aligns with and is related to the "Smart Environment" and "Smart Health" Priority Areas in the TUBITAK-QRDI 2024 Call. The consortium established for the project includes various universities from Turkey, as well as a Research and Development Center specialized in smart technologies (Vestel) and a Start-Up (Biorld) experienced in microalgae cultivation and PBR designs. In the Qatari project team, there is a research institution in the field of microalgae, as well as an academic unit active in nutrition and health fields.
The Vestel will contribute expertise in big data analysis, data transformation, algorithm software, and sensor technologies. Biorld will contribute to PBR design and dataset creation. Ankara University will prepare datasets for microalgae cultivation and the Smart-PBR system, while Qatar University Agricultural Research Station, ESOGU, NKU, and YTU will determine CO2 and water footprints with LCA and participate in the techno-functional characterization of modified algal proteins through non-thermal algal protein modification. Qatar University College of Health Science will be involved in project studies aimed at determining the nutritional properties of modified and non-modified algae proteins.
Through the established collaboration network, the aim is not only to develop innovative foods from other algal materials but also to conduct innovative and original research in food technology, particularly in plant-based proteins. Plant proteins represent a promising solution worldwide due to their low production costs and easy accessibility. Additionally, plant proteins are more environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the potential of plant proteins to meet the protein requirements as an alternative source is increasingly gaining importance. Parallel to these developments, there is a growing interest and demand in food technologies for microalgae. However, there is a need for innovative solutions to address low productivity and standardized culturing issues in microalgae cultivation. The developed Smart-PBR can contribute to solving these problems. Also, the main reasons for this trend include their sustainable sources not only for proteins but also for various bioactive compounds and ingredients in food technology, as well as their positive impact on carbon emissions through carbon dioxide utilization. However, despite the significant demand for algae proteins from producers and consumers, their low solubility, viscosity, texture, and aroma defects limit their usage in foods. Various modification methods and glycation applications are needed to reduce these issues. However, it is crucial that these processes result in only the targeted changes in protein structures with minimal heat and chemical usage. Conventional and non-thermal processes such as sonication, high pressure, and cold plasma can be utilized for this purpose. Parameters such as duration, pressure, and power applied during modification result in different structural, functional, and techno-functional properties of algae proteins. The modified algae proteins can be utilized as innovative components in food technology for various purposes.