Fermentative manipulations of cell wall polysaccharides to enhance seaweed extract by-product value

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Seaweed extracts have proven to be very effective plant bio-stimulants, with a breadth of scientific data underlying the identification of their active components and underlying mechanisms. There are numerous seaweed-derived products on the market globally, with the majority produced by an extraction method that also produces an alkaline by-product of limited use as fertilizer. A considerable volume of this insoluble alkaline fraction exists, and is largely comprised of macroalgal cell wall polysaccharides, which have been shown to have plant and animal health stimulatory properties. However, as these polysaccharides are insoluble in water, they are largely unavailable to most plants, but do provide a suitable growth media for less desirable microorganisms which can in fact interfere with plant growth. This project will investigate biological methods of increasing the bioavailability of these polysaccharides to valorize this currently unmarketable by-product for potential use in promoting plant growth and animal health, thereby adding a second value stream for companies engaged in production of seaweed extracts.