ALGABIOCIRCLE

Turning Pollution into Valuable Resources with Carbon Fixing Microbes

Vision & Values

Our vision is to utilize carbon emissions for the production of high-value organic products using carbon fixing microbes while creating sustainable solutions for various sectors, including agriculture, food, energy, and the environment.
Innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and impact drive our exploration of new frontiers in algal biotechnology. By prioritizing collaboration and sustainability, we transform scientific advancements into practical applications that address global challenges, benefiting communities and contributing to a sustainable future.

Why ALGABIOCIRCLE ?

  • High global Astaxanthin market value 
  • Morocco's import dependency of Astaxanthin-rich Heamatoccocus biomass
  • Morocco’s advantage for Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus biomass production.

Our solution :

Production of high-value biomass (rich in Astaxanthin), as an ingredient for diverse applications, using a carbon-fixing microbe (Haematococcus pluvialis).

Team

Joan Mutale CHANDA

Joan Mutale CHANDA, Ph.D., is a Scientist at MAScIR, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, specializing in microalgal physiology and biotechnology. Holding a Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology, her research focuses on the applications of microalgal biomass in agriculture, including plant biostimulants and sustainable cultivation methods. With expertise in plant defense mechanisms and biochemical pathways, she contributes to the valorization of microalgae as food sources and plant biostimulants for improved crop productivity. Dr. Joan's dedication to understanding plant physiology and utilizing organic materials for enhanced biochemical pathways drives her efforts in optimizing crop performance and resilience. Her scientific publications showcase her contributions to sustainable agriculture and the production of high-value molecules from microalgae.

Wessal OUEDRHIRI

Wissal OUEDRHIRI is a specialist in bioorganic chemistry, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, followed by a Master's degree specializing in Chemistry of Bio-active Molecules. She obtained her Ph.D in chemistry  (management and valorization of bio-resources), a field that bridges several disciplines and underscores the importance of sustainable science, from the raw material (Medicinal and aromatic plants, microorganisms) to the elucidation of bioactive compounds. Her postdoctoral experience improved her knowledge on drugs discovery by studying nanoformulation and nanoencapsulation of many bio-actives from aromatic and medicinal plants at the University of Helsinki. Afterward, she explored the world of algae and microalgae, looking to optimize their extraction methods and highlight their active substances in agriculture and pharmacology fields at the MAScIR Foundation, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

Hassan LAMADEN

Hassan LAMADEN is a chemical engineer currently working at the MAScIR Foundation, specializing in cosmetic product formulation. He is also pursuing further studies in the field of Dermocosmetology at the Casa Pharmacy Faculty (UM6SS). Hassan was recruited by the MAScIR Foundation to contribute to a project involving the production of agricultural biostimulants and a range of cosmetic products using microalgae. Hassan brings a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, having worked as a laboratory chemist at Colgate-Palmolive Morocco for two years, a production manager at Intelcare cosmetic company for six months, an R&D chemist at Vinci farmasi cosmetics for six months, a formulation manager at Heath Innovation company for one year, and a production manager at BMP Biopharmed for six months. He also spent six months at the REMTEX laboratory at the Higher School of Textile and Clothing Industries (ESITH).

Mohamed Hachimi ALAOUI

HACHIMI ALAOUI Mohamed is a Doctoral Researcher in the Algal biotechnology center at MAScIR, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, specializing in the physiology and biotechnology of microalgae. He holds a master’s degree in health & Environment and has over two years of experience as a manager of laboratory, quality, safety, food safety, and environment in an agri-food industry. Throughout his academic career, Mohamed has been involved in developing bio-stimulants derived from microalgae to enhance plant growth and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Currently, his research is centered on utilizing microalgae biomass as animal feed to enhance the quantity and quality of specific animals in a sustainable manner, aligning with principles of circular bioeconomy.

Hicham EL ARROUSSI

Hicham EL ARROUSSI is a prominent researcher and entrepreneur in the field of biotechnology, with a specialization in microalgae-based bioprocesses. He has a strong background in developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, particularly focusing on the use of microalgae as biostimulants for plant growth and stress tolerance. Hicham has presented his research at various international conferences and seminars, showcasing his expertise in the field. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is the founder of the startup TECALGA, which is dedicated to the development and production of natural products from microalgae. Hicham's work demonstrates a commitment to advancing biotechnology for environmental and agricultural sustainability, making significant contributions to the field of microalgae bioprocessing