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ETAG projects

Project: Enhanced Vitamin D3 production from microalgae: Synergistic application of industrial flue gas and UV-B exposure

Innovating Vitamin D₃ Biosynthesis Through Algal Biotechnology and Carbon Recycling

Project start and end: 01.01.2024–30.04.2030

Funding: This project is supported by the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) under the Start-up grant - PSG 971 

Project description: At the Estonian University of Life Sciences in the Chair of Biosystems Engineering, Dr. Renu Geetha Bai and her team are pioneering sustainable methods to produce Vitamin D₃ using microalgae. Traditionally, Vitamin D₃ is sourced from animals such as fish oil and lanolin, raising sustainability and ethical concerns. Microalgae provide a renewable, vegan-friendly alternative that supports human health while aligning with climate goals.

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global health issue affecting people of all ages and regions. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone metabolism, immune regulation, and the prevention of chronic diseases. Our research aims to address this challenge by harnessing microalgae as a sustainable source of Vitamin D₃, meeting both nutritional needs and climate goals.

Project details: ETISlink opens in new page

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Key Research Areas

  1. Industrial Flue Gas as a Carbon Source

CO₂ rich combustion emissions are recycled into algal growth systems. This process enhances biomass productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  1. UV-B Induced Metabolic Stimulation

Controlled UV-B exposure activates biosynthetic pathways in microalgae, boosting the synthesis of Vitamin D₃ precursors and improving the vitamin production efficiency. 

  1. Sustainable Nutraceutical Development

Microalgae-based Vitamin D₃ offers a vegan, eco-friendly alternative that supports pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food innovations and industries. 

By combining carbon capture technology with metabolic enhancement; our research demonstrates how industrial waste can be transformed into climate-neutral health solutions through advanced algal biotechnology.

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Sustainability and Impact 

Our project aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 7, 12, and 13), advancing global health, responsible production, and climate action through innovative microalgae biotechnology.

Carbon Mitigation: Utilizing industrial CO₂ in algal cultivation supports the EU’s carbon neutrality goals by capturing and recycling greenhouse gases.

Nutraceutical Innovation: Provides a sustainable, animal-free source of Vitamin D₃ that meets growing global health demands.

Circular Bioeconomy: Transforms industrial waste into high-value bioproducts, promoting sustainable industrial and agricultural practices.

Broader Impacts 

This project reinforces Estonia’s leadership in the Baltic bioeconomy and fosters collaboration between industry and academia. It positions microalgae biotechnology as a promising solution to address pressing climate change and public health challenges.

Renu Geetha Bai vetikalaboris
Renu Geetha Bai vetikalaboris

Research Team 

  • Prof. Timo Kikas – Chair Professor of Biosystems Engineering, Microalgal Expert
  • Dr. Renu Geetha Bai – Principal Investigator, Algal Biotechnologist
  • Dr. Surya M Sudheer – Biomolecule Specialist
  • Ms. Salini Chandrasekharan Nair – Algal Biotechnologist
  • Ms. Kaie Ritslaid – Algal Expert and Chemist. 

Publications & Presentations 

  1. Microalgae in Mitigating Industrial Pollution: Bioremediation Strategies and Biomagnification Potential, Biomass 2025, 5(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5040061link opens in new page
  2. Revolutionizing nutrition: Harnessing non-animal sources for sustainable production of vitamin D. 15th International conference Biosystems Engineering 2025, Book of abstracts, 2025 Poster presentation
  3. Torrefaction of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Pathway to Renewable Energy, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177738link opens in new page
  4. Marine Macroalgal Polysaccharides in Nanomedicine: Blue Biotechnology Contributions in Advanced Therapeuticslink opens in new page Molecules, 31 (1), 175. DOI: 10.3390/molecules31010175.

Contact:

Renu Geetha Bai

Appointed Assistant Professor in Biotechnology

Institute of Forestry and Engineering

Chair of Biosystems Engineering

[email protected]
More info