Alga-Care explores the potential of microalgae in tackling fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a rapidly growing health risk in Belgium, mainly linked to our modern sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and increasing pollution. When we consistently consume more calories than we burn, the liver stores the excess as fat. When that fat oxidises, it can lead to inflammation and scar tissue, eventually causing lasting liver damage.

Alga-Care investigates whether microalgae contain compounds that can counter oxidation in the liver or help create a healthier fat composition in the organ. In total, the project partners will screen and test 600 algae samples on laboratory liver cells. After three years, the project should clarify the potential for developing a food supplement or medicine.

Earlier research showed that the seagrass Thalassia contains bioactive compounds that may help protect against skin cancer. This inspired researchers to look more broadly at life in the sea, which led them, among other things, to microalgae.

Microalgae are single-celled organisms that can be cultivated easily on a large scale, unlike seagrass and larger seaweeds. They need only basic nutrients and sunlight to grow under controlled conditions.

The research in Alga-Care is organised in three stages. First, ILVO cultivates around twenty microalgae under different conditions, such as variations in light, temperature and ozone. This yields about 600 samples, which are then chemically analysed and screened for bioactive compounds.

Next, the University of Antwerp and VUB test these samples in different liver models in the lab. The researchers examine whether the compounds have a protective effect against processes linked to fatty liver disease, such as oxidative stress, fat accumulation and scar formation. Using tests on human liver cells and so-called mini-livers, they can quickly and efficiently identify the most promising extracts.

In the final stage, five to ten of the most promising extracts are studied further in mouse models with fatty liver disease. The researchers also examine the best method of administration and formulation. After three years, this should show which algae-derived compounds have the strongest potential for further development towards preventive or therapeutic applications.

The project aims for rapid industrial valorisation through the involvement of the marine and biomedical sectors via the spearhead clusters De Blauwe Cluster and BioVia. De Blauwe Cluster represents marine sectors such as aquaculture for the production of microalgae, while BioVia represents hospitals and companies that can work with a proof of concept. Several investment firms are also following the project through the user group.

ILVO will also make all information from the screening of the 600 samples available through a new open database. This should later support research into other potential applications of microalgae, not only in medicine, but also in cosmetics, food and feed.

This article is a shortened and lightly revised version of the press release published on ILVO’s website. Read the original press release (Dutch only).