Novel enzyme-based extraction technologies will be applied to algal biomass derived from selected algal taxonomic groups including macroalgae (seaweeds), microalgae and cyanobacteria. Algal species will be chosen according to their potential to produce high bioactive levels (focussing phenolic compounds, MAAs, carotenoids) which will be further enhanced by applying abiotic stresses (Partner 1). Commercially available and newly isolated enzymes, derived from seaweed biomass, will be used to co-extract bioactives of interest in a more efficient manner than via traditional extraction protocols (Partners 1,2).

Algal extracts produced by enzymatic and traditional approaches will be tested for multiple applications, concentrating on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with applications in food, cosmetics, animal health (aquaculture) and personal/home care (Partners 3-5). Extracts that exhibit high activities will be chemically characterised to identify active components (Partner 1).