The Algavalue project – Development of an efficient and sustainable downstream process for the production of pigments and antioxidants from microalgae – has been awarded funding by Fondazione Cariverona with a contribution of €95,000.

The initiative is coordinated by Professor Matteo Ballottari from the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Verona.
The project aims to develop an innovative and sustainable process to obtain natural astaxanthin – one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, up to 6,000 times more effective than vitamin C.Currently, around 90% of the astaxanthin available on the market is produced synthetically from petroleum derivatives, resulting in high environmental impact and lower biological activity. Algavalue proposes a natural alternative based on microalgae strains developed and patented enabling efficient and sustainable production of this valuable molecule for nutraceutical and feed applications. Within the project, Asteasier and Sphera Encapsulation S.r.l. contribute to the optimization of extraction and stabilization processes and to the development of new commercial opportunities, fostering collaboration between research, innovation, and industry.
This initiative represents a concrete step towards a more sustainable and circular biotechnology, connecting scientific research with industrial application and market development.