Algal Technologies Program (ATP)
The unique biodiversity of microalgae and cyanobacteria, present in the Qatar environment, has the potential to provide an interesting range of products for various applications related to energy and environment, food security, and pharmaceutics. Furthermore, algal technologies have a high potential for development in Qatar, as the climate and environment make it an excellent location for year-round large-scale algae biomass production. To harness algae as a sustainable natural resource in Qatar, various research focus areas are targeted:
-Culture Collection; the ATP houses the Qatar University Culture Collection for Cyanobacteria and Microalgae (QUCCCM), established in 2011, the collection now contains over 200 different isolates which have been sourced from the Qatar environment.
-Biofuels; Several pathways are being investigating through which algal biomass can be efficiently converted into biofuels, including bio-crude oil, biodiesel and bioethanol.
-Environment and Bioremediation; Climate change and environmental pollution are both pressing concerns, which are targeted through algae-driven CO2 capture and Utilization (CCU) and water treatment research projects
-Health; Primary and secondary metabolites which are of interest for nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical applications are being identified in order to enable research into drug-discovery and health-food applications of algae biomass.
-Animal & Aquaculture Feed; Microalgae are also being investigated as a source of feed for both animals and fish, as they have the nutritional potential to provide necessary proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, without requiring arable land or fresh-water for cultivation
