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SUMMARY:Algae for Food – enhancing nutritional value and reducing waste 
 - Professor Alison Smith\, Plant Sciences\, Cambridge
DTSTART:20210115T150000Z
DTEND:20210115T160000Z
UID:TALK153751@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Agriforwards CDT
DESCRIPTION:There is increasing recognition of the need to reduce our reli
 ance on fossil carbon for fuels and materials\, whilst at the same time mi
 tigating the consequences of the waste generated as a result of domestic\,
  agricultural and industrial activities. Plants and algae\, as photosynthe
 tic organisms\, offer considerable potential as means to generate everythi
 ng from bulk feedstocks to platform chemicals and high value products\, us
 ing solar energy as the main input. Microalgae in particular are an undere
 xploited resource for sustainable production of a range of novel products.
  In addition\, incorporation of microalgal cultivation into different proc
 esses in a modular fashion enables valorisation of waste streams – a con
 cept that we have termed Circular Photosynthesis. I will discuss the reaso
 ns why microalgae are a rich source of vitamin B12\, an essential organic 
 micronutrient synthesised only by bacteria\, and how it is possible for al
 gae to obtain B12 in mutualistic co-culture with bacteria. We are exploiti
 ng this in efforts to produce food and feed with enhanced nutritional prof
 iles. In addition\, I will illustrate how we have been working with collea
 gues in developing countries to introduce Circular Photosynthesis approach
 es so that they can be deployed widely at local scale\, supporting innovat
 ion and enterprise\, and reducing waste.
LOCATION:This talk will happen virtually via Zoom. Zoom link is provided f
 or Agriforwards CDT subscribers
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