Our ongoing research proposes exploring microalgae derived biomaterials as the primary architectural scaffold of a new microencapsulation platform for aquaculture applications. Diatom microalgae, naturally produce 3-dimensional microshells made of silicon dioxide with unique structural, mechanical, and chemical features (high micro- and nanoscale porosities, large surface areas, biocompatibility, and tuneability) making them far superior biomaterials to existing microencapsulation platforms. The biomaterial can be easily fabricated by cultivating specific microalgae strains and harvested after mild refining processes, tailored to specific sizes and shapes with resource to green technologies.
In a proof-of-concept approach, we recently conducted the first empirical studies exploring the potential of these biomaterials as microencapsulate systems in aquaculture. We demonstrated for the first time the successful i) extraction 3D hollow microshells from cultivated diatom biomass; ii) loading of exogenous substances into the hollow biosilica microshells; iii) administration of these biomaterials to aquatic crustaceans; and iv) the ability to monitor the trajectory and behavior of these functionalized materials post-ingestion.
With the present proposal, the main goal is to further develop, validate and explore this novel microencapsulation technology. To achieve this goal DMi4Srimp includes the design and biofabrication of a new microencapsulation system specially designed for shrimp, and testing of its efficacy in terms of bioactives delivery using an important aquaculture species as model – the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei. The project includes de novo synthesis of diatom microshells tailored to a specific size and shape, biomaterial extraction and functionalization, optimization of oral delivery protocols to the targeted species, and efficacy testing of both the successful delivery bioactive substances and immunostimulatory potentials.
