PolySpon

In this project, a land-based aquaculture system for the production of the collagen-rich sponge species Chondrosia reniformis is being developed based on the concept of integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA). This involves combining various animal and plant species of different trophic levels in one system to ensure optimum utilisation of the resources used. In PolySpon, the sponges are kept in a system with the macroalgae green sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). The faeces of the sea bass serve as food for the sea lettuce and the sponges.

With a collagen content of approx. 30% in dry weight, C. reniformis is a rich source of valuable marine collagen, which can be further increased by breeding and optimising the production processes. Collagen is a high-priced raw material that is used particularly in the cosmetics industry.  Therefore, a reliable production of sponge biomass with a constant collagen content is economically interesting and protects the wild stocks of marine sponges. The algae and fish also produced in the system are destined for the food market. 

In this project, methods for biomass production and reproduction of the sponges are being developed and scaled up. Through the joint culture with green sea lettuce and sea bass, an economical and sustainable production of collagen is to be achieved. 

In order to meet the requirements of the respective species in land-based aquaculture, the project partner WATER-proved GmbH will plan the design of the IMTA system together with the AWI and realise the construction and installation of the IMTA subsystems. 

The project partner oceanBASIS GmbH is also developing extraction methods for obtaining collagen from the sponge biomass and an extract from the cultivated algae that also has a cosmetic effect. After formulating test formulations for use on human skin, a user study on volunteers is planned.