Hydrothermal Processing of Sea Lettuce

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Prince Edward Island (PEI) has strong fishing and tourism sectors that are connected through waterways. These waterways are being choked by nuisance algae such as sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), whose growth is promoted by nitrogen runoff. Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is rich in nutrients and chemicals with medicinal and health-promoting effects, which make them valuable for food supplements, biostimulants, and bioactive compounds. The observed benefits of sea lettuce are due to the presence of Ulvan. Ulvan is a cell wall polysaccharide made of sulfated rhamnose, uronic acid and xylose contributing 9-36% dry weight of biomass of sea lettuce. The focus of this project is to develop and enhance a process through which this nuisance crop can be harvested and converted into an innovative value-add product, a bio-based crop stimulant. A hydrothermal based process is investigated for the extraction of valuable compounds from the sea lettuce. The process will be optimized for higher yield of targeted compounds. Additionally, an innovative semi-continuous system will be developed for processing sea lettuce. The two-fold benefit of this enhanced process will create a clean waterway for tourism and marine life and in turn, produce a non-chemical crop growth stimulant. The partner will support the project results by commercializing the extract and both selling it to its clients and using it within its own farm. The system can be utilized around the world where sea lettuce exists, thereby creating additional prospects for exporting know-how. The results of the research will help the partner organization make investment decisions for the large-scale development of this technology in Canada.