From bacteria to high-value products

Lifebloom is an innovative start-up in biotechnology, which focuses on using the energy in cyanobacteria to capture carbon and convert it into high-value, sustainable products.

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are a group of microscopic photosynthetic bacteria which can generate their own energy in the same way as plants. These bacteria live in a wide range of environments, from the sea and fresh water to soil, and even extreme environments such as hot springs and deserts.

Cyanobacteria are particularly interesting in biotechnology, since they can be used in the production of sustainable bioproducts such as plastic, biofuels and valuable chemicals. They can also potentially help to capture CO₂ and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Lifebloom is developing a new system for cultivating cyanobacteria with the help of sunlight, CO₂ and a selection of nutrients. The system with cyanobacteria is designed to be economical and efficient, so that the natural resources are utilised optimally, while keeping costs low. This also reduces the consumption of costly resources such as fresh water, temperature control and water management.

Cyanobacteria produce valuable ingredients naturally, which can be used in skin-care products, for example. Today, many of these ingredients come from non-sustainable sources such as fossil fuels or palm oil.

Lifebloom collaborates with biorefineries to work up ingredients based on cyanobacteria as a new, more environment-friendly alternative. Furthermore, cyanobacteria are cultivated in salt water in the sea, and therefore, in contrast to more traditional crops, they do not require agricultural land, while freshwater requirements are minimal.

“Thanks to the grant from the Vissing Foundation, Lifebloom can now establish its first laboratory, begin cultivation trials and produce the first samples, then take the next steps towards securing the company’s future,” says Chris L. Christiansen, one of the two founders of Lifebloom.