Alga-Care

Fatty liver disease is a growing health issue linked, among other things, to lifestyle and diet. It can lead to further liver damage and also increases the risk of other health problems.

At the same time, interest in natural compounds with preventive and therapeutic potential is growing. Alga-Care starts from that question and examines whether microalgae contain bioactive compounds that could be relevant in this context.

The project brings together expertise in microalgae cultivation, biomedical research and liver models. In doing so, it aims not only to generate new knowledge, but also to explore possible longer-term applications.

Alga-Care investigates the potential of microalgae in three consecutive steps.

• First, different microalgae are cultivated under varying conditions, such as different levels of light, temperature and other growth factors. This results in a broad set of samples with different compositions. These samples are then chemically analysed and screened for bioactive compounds.
• Next, the samples are tested in liver models in the lab. The aim is to assess whether they affect processes associated with fatty liver disease, such as oxidative stress, fat accumulation and damage to liver cells. Both rapid tests on human liver cells and more advanced 3D liver models are used for this purpose.
• In the final phase, the most promising extracts are studied further in animal models. At the same time, the most suitable method of administration and formulation is examined. This should clarify which compounds have the greatest potential for further development.

The project has the following objectives:

• identify bioactive compounds from microalgae with potential for prevention or treatment; 
• build, analyse and screen a broad set of algae samples;
• test promising extracts in different liver models;
• gain greater insight into their mode of action, safety and applicability;
• lay the groundwork for further development into a nutraceutical, supplement or medicine;
• make the knowledge generated available for further research and other applications.