The aim of the LeHydrAl project is to utilise previously unused protein-containing waste from leather production and processing. The protein component of trimming and leather-containing product waste can be hydrolysed. Such hydrolysates provide a source of organically bound nitrogen. In principle, this nitrogen can be used as a component in culture media for the cultivation of the heterotrophic microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria.

The ILU’s task in the project is therefore to develop a recipe for a leather hydrolysate-based nutrient medium and to test and optimise cultivation for efficient biomass production. For example, dyes and branched carbohydrates are to be extracted from the processed algae biomass as concentrates. In addition, the project will investigate whether a moist algae paste or isolate is suitable as a feed additive with a high protein content and special ingredients (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins).

The project provides basic knowledge about the utilisation of protein-containing waste from technical use as a substrate in biotechnological cultures. In addition, findings are being collected on how new products could be developed from this.