Over the last decade, interest in sustainably derived bioproducts has increased drastically. Bioproducts such as
biofuels and protein are desirable due to high oil prices and a lack of protein from fishmeal for aquaculture
feed. Moreover, bioproducts from microalgae contribute to CO2 abatement and in climate change mitigation.
Traditionally, agricultural crops such as corn, canola, soap nut and jatropha, though abundant around the world,
require large cultivation land and compete with the food industry, making them unable to sustainably replace
petroleum or fishmeal protein.
Microalgae grow naturally all over the world, either in marine or fresh water, avoiding using extensive
agricultural land. Under optimal conditions, microalgae can be grown at high density, and then produce
renewable bioproducts, that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and no conflict with food
supply. In an effort to complete the prototyping and optimization of a full scale continuous algal biomass
production, SabrTech has identified noninvasive and real time quality assessment of algae as a key for
achieving an optimum production rate. The company is seeking NSCC's support to design a solution that will
be economical, easily maintainable, and can be quickly implemented using standards parts. The solution is
expected to address the challenges of low biomass yield, high capital and the harvesting costs.
SabrTech's microalgal solution aligns very well with Federal Government's bioproducts initiatives and
represents a new product line for a Nova Scotia's company, whose business is expected to grow substantially
across North America and internationally.