Сultivation of Dunaliella

A2.1.3: VIABILITY STUDY OF DUNALIELLA SALINA CULTIVATION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH TRADITIONAL SALTWORKS IN THE MACARONESIAN REGION. TRANSFER OF NATIVE STRAINS OF DUNALIELLA SP. TO CAPE VERDE FOR THEIR POSSIBLE BIOTECHNOLOGICAL USE

DESCRIPTION:

We aim to develop a connection between biotechnology and traditional salt works through the following actions:

1. 1. Development of an innovative technique for the production of a “gourmet” salt containing the microalga Dunaliella (now patented in Spain)
   2. Consulting on the possible development of a Dunaliella production plant associated to the traditional salt works, addressed to the companies that produce salt in the Macaronesian region
   3. Transfer of different strains of Dunaliella – isolated from different salt works of Cape Verde and maintained in the ITC collection – to the partner of Cape Verde
   4. Technological transfer and training course on biological diversity in salt works (microalgae, cyanobacteria, bacteria and Artemia spp.). Determination and improvement of quality and traceability (according to RD 1424/1983) of the commercial salt, through the development of methodologies for controlling and monitoring the environmental quality in the waters of origin and in the salt works themselves

EXPECTED RESULTS

1. Technical-economic viability of a novel procedure for the generation of a “gourmet” salt containing Dunaliella without degradation of the beta-carotene content. New gastronomic and marketing possibilities (color, smell, taste, recipes)
2. Viability study of the possible development of Dunaliella production plants associated with traditional salt works
3. Strain transfer of Dunaliella sp. – isolated by ITC from the different salt works of Cape Verde – to the partner of Cape Verde
4. Evaluation of molecular probes for the rapid determination of the environmental quality of salt works (biological diversity) and of molecular markers for improving the traceability of the products
5. Development of protocols and methodologies for the molecular control and monitoring of environmental quality, both in the salt works and in their water of origin

PARTICIPANTS

Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, Université des Sciences, de Technologie et de Médecine(USTM) (Mauritania), SALINAS MARINAS DE FUENCALIENTE S.L., Univ. de Cabo Verde (Departamento de Engenharias e Ciências do Mar), Martell Lozano S.L., BRC Infraestructuras Hidráulicas SLL, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria