University of Toledo Awarded $199,997 for Algal Biomass Research

Today Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP) will award $199,997 to support an algal biomass research project at the University of Toledo (UT). This project will advance research and develop possible commercial applications of a low-cost product called a "hydrogel" that would make it easier and more efficient to grow and harvest algae for use in the production of alternative fuels.

"Applied research has been a proven tool for our region, turning good science into innovative products that can support job growth, new business development, even allow for the creation of brand new markets here," said Rep. Kaptur. "This project is a perfect example. Algae could be a major source for biomass fuel development but the costs of growing and processing it have been too high. This project sets out to solve both problems by creating a product that grows algae safely and efficiently and streamlining the process for harvesting it for conversion into fuel. I applaud the University of Toledo research team and the Industrial Innovation and Partnerships Division at NSF for pursuing this insightful and promising research."

Project director Sridhar Viamajala, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at UT, described the project's importance: "Low-cost technologies for harvesting algae are currently a major bottleneck in the commercial production of fuels from microalgae. This method of harvesting algal biomass using stimuli-sensitive hydrogels could be cost and energy efficient. It also allows for effective recycling of water and unused nutrients, which is critical for environmental sustainability of biofuels."

Steven E. LeBlanc, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering at UT, added: "This project by Dr. Viamajala involves innovative technology that could represent a breakthrough in the cost-effective use of algae as source of raw materials for the production of alternative fuels."

Commercial production of algae-based biomass fuels has been limited by a lack of low-cost technologies for algae harvesting. This project supports development of a product called a hydrogel that encourages more concentrated algal growth that makes it cheaper and easier to remove cultivated algae from water without the use of added chemicals.

Projects funded through NSF's IIP Division are often organized as public-private partnerships supporting commercial development of applied research, especially for use by small businesses. The Division targets projects with the potential for technological innovation with "high impact in meeting national and societal needs. To achieve this goal, IIP focuses on leveraging federal, small business, industrial, university, state and community college resources."

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