Three researchers working with large test tubes of algae in the lab (photo: ThinkStock)
At UTS, exploring algae’s potential is a top priority, particularly in the Climate Change Cluster (C3) research centre. Led by internationally acclaimed environmental scientist Professor Peter Ralph, the C3 team is pioneering the use of algae to produce sustainable versions of everyday items, from food products and vitamins to biofuels, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
“A lot of industries currently depend on petrochemicals, which are a finite resource,” Ralph says.
“What we’re looking at is a wide range of new and exciting products derived from algae, which can innovate and disrupt unsustainable industries.”
C3’s work was the launching pad for the Deep Green Biotech Hub, the crowning jewel of UTS’s extensive algae research program. The hub is funded through the NSW Department of Industry and brings together researchers, small to medium enterprises, industry, start-ups, students and other stakeholders to drive innovation in algae-based biotechnology research, and to build support networks and advocacy in the green biotech sector in New South Wales.
Our approach is unique. We’re bringing together science, engineering and industry, both big and small, to understand what’s possible.
— Professor Peter Ralph, Climate Change Cluster
Deep Green Biotech Hub is also home to a range of initiatives that support entrepreneurs and established businesses to develop new algae-based biotech businesses and products. These include the GreenLight accelerator program, which provides up to $20,000 in seed funding for entrepreneurs and companies who are just starting out on their journeys.
Back in the lab, Ralph and his C3 colleagues continue to chip away at a number of algae-focused research projects. Among these is an ambitious initiative called SEAweed-Tech, in partnership with the Zoological Society of London, which aims to transform the health of our oceans. Based in Southeast Asia, the work will produce a new, zero-waste green chemistry for the production of seaweed-based biocompostable plastics.
C3’s world-class expertise recently caught the attention of GE Healthcare, a world-leading manufacturer of biopharmaceutical equipment. In 2019, C3 and GE Healthcare will launch the GMP Lite facility, the first pharmaceutical facility in Australia to produce algal-based pharmaceuticals.
GMP Lite will boast state-of-the-art equipment, enabling the invention, optimisation and up-scaling of both traditional and algae-based biotech products.
“GE’s regional research team and top technicians will be working regularly in the facility, providing immense mentoring capacity for the next generation of industry-ready scientists and technicians,” Ralph says.
Combined, C3, Deep Green Biotech Hub, GreenLight and GMP Lite – not to mention Ralph’s unwavering commitment to research innovation – have put UTS at the forefront of algal biotechnology.
Ultimately, Ralph wants to see the development of an Australian bioeconomy that provides a real and compelling alternative to the use of fossil-based carbon sources for industry production, within the next five years.
Plastic. By 2025 there will be one tonne of it for every three tonnes of fish in the ocean.
That's bad news for biodiversity and for millions of coastal reef fishers.
But with a helping hand from scientists these communities are set to turn the problem on its head, by farming seaweed to make eco-friendly plastics.
They could reduce problem plastics, increase biodiversity and create thriving local bioeconomies.
All in just 5 years.
Learn more: c3.uts.edu.au
Research team
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Director, Climate Change Cluster
Funded by
- NSW Department of Industry
Partners
- GE Healthcare
