Category: ASLEE

News related to ASLEE

ASLEE_ENBIO innovative PBR on display at ALL Energy 2019

ENBIO partner Xanthella and ALIenergy joined other Argyll based businesses and members of the HIE Argyll team on the Argyll & Bute Renewable Energy (ABRA) stand at All Energy in May. The All Energy 2019 conference and exhibition, held in Glasgow, was a very busy 2 days showcasing the innovative photobioreactor and integrated energy model within the ENBIO project.

For more infromation on ALL Energy and Decarbonise events go to all-energy.co.uk

 

ASLEE-ENBIO success at inaugrual HIE Renewable Energy awards

The innovative ASLEE-ENBIO approach has been recognised once again by successfully winning the Best Smart Energy / Carbon Reduction project at the new HIE Renewable Energy Awards. The award dinner, held at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, was a very fitting celebration to a successful Scottish Highlands Renewable Energy Conference. ENBIO partners ALIenergy collected the Best Smart Energy / Carbon Reduction Project winners trophy sponsored by Nevis Environment and enjoyed the celebrations.

Click here to read full article about event.

Algal cells could help prevent limb amputation

According to scientists at the St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London a new algae-based treatment could reduce the need for amputation in people with Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). CLI is a severe obstruction of the arteries which markedly reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet and legs) and progresses to the point of severe pain, skin ulcers or sores and often results in amputation.
Alginate from the cell walls of brown algae, which is mainly found in cold waters in the Northern Hemisphere, has been used to form small capsules containing macrophages, a type of white blood cell. The research work indicated that these macrophages successfully remained in the injured area, new blood vessels formed, and as a result, more blood reached the damaged area.
To date the treatment has been carried out on mice, Scientists are planning to move this research into human clinical trials to help the people visiting the hospital with CLI. Scientists believe that this new way of delivering cells could be the key to creating an effective treatment for people suffering from CLI.

For further information click here

 

 

Xanthella and ALIenergy join VIBES 20th anniversary celebrations

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards (VIBES) is celebrating its 20th year and is calling on Scottish businesses to play their part in protecting our planet for future generations. Xanthella and ENBIO partner ALIenergy joined other VIBES awards winners at the 20th anniversary celebrations launched at the Scottish Parliament on 27 March 2019. The enjoyable evening event included a ministerial address, case study presentations and winners question time, in which Dr Douglas McKenzie from Xanthella, winners of the Innovation category 2018, answered questions about the ENBIO integrated model and the environmental benefits of this pioneering project.
Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded more than 150 businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources. This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.
Organisers of the VIBES awards are urging Scottish businesses to mark the milestone by helping to tackle the environmental challenges facing Scotland and the rest of the world. In continued celebration VIBES are also hosting a series of free regional information events with a selection of previous winners. The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards roadshows will take place across Scotland, with the first of these to be held at the James Hutton Institute, Dundee, on 16 April.
Look out for further information on regional events at VIBES

Xanthella Pandora PBR™ technology showcased at Blue Bioeconomy event in European Parliament

EMBRIC and Treasures from the Deep were very grateful for the sponsorship and participation by Xanthella at the recent European Parliament facing workshop, symposium and roundtable –“Mining for Valuable Bioactive and Enzymes from Marine Algae and Bacteria” – held in Brussels on the 5th March 2019.

European Marine Biological Research Infrastructure Cluster (EMBRIC) held a breakfast meeting at the European Parliament, hosted by Clare Moody, MEP for UK South West and Gibraltar. Xanthella attended the parliamentary breakfast with around 20 scientists, including early career scientists, to discuss the needs and opportunities of the marine environment. The debate continued at the workshop – Treasures from the Deep – held at Scotland House, Brussels, attended by around 50 scientists and company representatives. During the scientific discussion, participants presented their current successful advances, in both oral and poster presentations, showcasing the opportunities of the marine ecosystem and highlighting the vast potential for this research, including its social and economic benefits.
A full day of lively debate ended in a round table led by Dr Marcel Jaspars and Dr Melody Clark, and joined by Ms Clare Moody and Baroness Mobarik, bringing together representatives of academia, industry and parliament to discuss the needs of the field. Among the points touched, was that academia and industry are willing to share their expertise and match their time frame to work together at a European scale, but to do so more effectively requires stronger support from European Parliament. Discussions highlighted the need for the EU to support SMEs and small-scale projects to facilitate products getting to market. Indeed, SMEs have different needs and challenges than research institutions and these have to be considered in the European funding strategy. It was stressed that the potential of marine resources and its sustainable exploitation are still relatively untapped due to regulatory limitations. Uncertainty of further funding and support at the end of large-scale projects investing in the discovery of new compounds from the marine environment has been recognized as another big limitation. The support of infrastructures such as EMBRC might partially address the need to sustain activities and interactions beyond the end of the lifetime of large projects; protecting public investments in research by enabling the generated resources to be maintained for future use and exploitation thus contributing to the blue economy.
The event was organized by Rebecca Goss (USTAN), David Smith (CABI) and Mariella Ferrante (SZN), as part of the European Marine Biological Research Infrastructure Cluster (EMBRIC).
Follow link for further information – http://www.embrc.eu/newsroom/embric-press-release-treasures-deep 

Details of the full programme and poster abstracts on Treasures from the Deep Workshop

Xanthella launch new low temperature laboratory photobioreactor

Xanthella have announced the launch of a new version of their easy-to-use and highly flexible microPharos PBR™ photobioreactor system, the cryoPharos PBR™.  Not only is the cryoPharos PBR™ ideal for conducting laboratory scale research experiments on a wide range of photosynthetic organisms, this new PBR has been specifically designed to grow organisms that require low temperatures (for example arctic microalgae). The cryoPharos PBR™ is capable of reaching temperatures lower than 0°C even when it is installed on your lab bench at room temperature. No need for a cold room anymore!
A starter cryoPharos PBR™ system consists of two airlift 1000 ml tanks illuminated by external LED light tiles, along with a Zeus II Controller™ unit that measures and maintains the culture conditions in the tanks according to user-defined specifications.
The different components that make up the cryoPharos PBR™ are very easy to assemble thanks to the clever magnetic fixing design. Within the tanks the amount of light provided to the culture can be accurately measured as the side walls of the tanks are flat resulting in a simple light path of 5cm. The system also includes all the equipment necessary to manage temperature, pH and gas input. Too often experiments are done without controlling all three of these criteria making it difficult to have confidence in the results. The culture parameters that can be regulated in the starter system are:

• pH, using pH probe and CO2 injection;
• Temperature, between -2 to 40°C;
• Light intensity from 20 to 1500 µmol photon/s/m2;
• Light/dark cycles, tracking and flashing light.

The cryoPharos PBR™ system is versatile and can be adapted to suit different requirements, for example by adding more 1000 ml PBR tanks, or modifying the types and wavelengths of the LED lights.

If you would like more information or a demonstration of the cryoPharos PBR™ system contact Xanthella at info@xanthella.co.uk

Come along and visit the ENBIO team in Glasgow on 30th and 31st Jan

Visit us at Stand 20 in the Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st January at IBioIC’s 5th annual conference  and find out the latest on ASLEE and ENBIO!

With around 500 delegates expected to attend, hear from leading experts in industry and academia, participate in partnering meetings, visit the bustling exhibition and poster area, and network with contacts old and new, and discussing all things biotech!

In the conference sessions, listen to talks from Sebastien Jubeau (Xanthella) on supply chains and discuss carbon capture, renewable chemicals and energy with Lynda Mitchell (ALIenergy).

Hear about the progress at the Ardnamurchan production facility and read over the ENBIO poster – Route to a Local Integrated System.

Please do also join in the conversation on twitter using #IBioIC19 @IBioIC @ASLEEproject16

Xanthella success at prestigious VIBES environmental business awards 2018

ASLEE – ENBIO partner, Xanthella Ltd, was one of 10 companies rewarded for their commitment to sustainability at this year’s VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.  The biotechnology company collected the Innovation award at the ceremony held at the Radisson Blu for the pioneering ASLEE – ENBIO approach which is a partnership project conceived by Xanthella and ALIenergy, 

Aqualution Systems Ltd, Beyond Green, Clearwater Controls Ltd, Devro (Scotland) Ltd, Hickory, Peel Tech Ltd, Scottish Leather Group Limited, Spruce Carpets Limited and The James Hutton Institute were also awarded for their environmental efforts. Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service and DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited received commendation at the award ceremony attended by more than 400 business figures on 14 November.  The announcement follows a rigorous judging process, where each of the 43 finalists were visited by a team of judges to assess their environmental processes.

Dr Douglas McKenzie, Chief Executive at Xanthella Ltd, said: “We are proud to have been recognised at this year’s VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in the Innovation category. Collecting a VIBES Award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from everyone at Xanthella, ALIenergy and our partners. The Awards are a fantastic way to bring the ground breaking ASLEE – ENBIO project to a wider audience and an excellent opportunity to find out more about other like – minded Scottish businesses working to benefit the environment and inspire others.”

The 10 businesses awarded, which represent a range of sectors and sizes, demonstrated challenging their everyday working practices to embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability with all reaping the wider associated benefits including increased resource efficiency, resilience, competitiveness as well as a positive working culture. The businesses were awarded under a range of categories including; management (large and small), circular economy, environmental product or service, hydro nation water innovation, green team, innovation, sustainable and active travel and micro business – highlighting the diverse ways businesses can implement best practice in their daily activity. The awards also demonstrated how even small changes can have a big difference, for example adopting active travel practices that reduce both reliance on cars and carbon emissions to implementing management programmes that empower staff to make more sustainable choices.

One of the biggest threats to humanity is climate change and in light of this, a Climate Adaptation Award was also introduced this year in partnership with Adaptation Scotland to reward a business that demonstrates managing climate related risks. This was awarded to The James Hutton Institute for its innovative work on the International Barley Hub, an ambitious development to create a world-leading centre to translate excellence in barley research and innovation into economic, social and environmental benefits. Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service also received commendation in this category.

Commenting, Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards celebrate business leadership in sustainable environmental investment, and are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward companies for going beyond ‘business as usual’ and driving sustainable growth through innovation.

“The most successful businesses in the future will be those that are not just compliant, but which are also low carbon, low material use, low water use and low waste, and which see environmental excellence as an opportunity. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy.

“It is very encouraging to see the diverse range of businesses, small and large, which are taking important steps to reduce their impact on the environment and which understand how environmental excellence can also benefit their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s winning businesses and organisations, and hope that others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

Each of the 2018 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards winners is now eligible to enter the next European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) which is open to winners and runners up of RSA Accredited award schemes. VIBES is the only Scottish based RSA Accredited award scheme.

Sponsoring the awards this year was: Adaptation Scotland, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard, Climate-KIC through ECCI, Energy Saving Trust, Farne Salmon and Trout, Glenmorangie, Greenvale AP, Mabbett, NetRegs, Scottish Government, ScottishPower, University of Stirling Management School, Vegware and Wave.

For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk

VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, and Energy Saving Trust.

The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).

The full list of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards 2018 winners are as follows:

  • Circular Economy – Sponsored by Chivas Brothers Pernod Riccard:
    Spruce Carpets Limited (Winner)
  • Hydro Nation Water Innovation – Sponsored by Scottish Government:
    Aqualution Systems Ltd (Winner)
  • Sustainable and Active Travel – Sponsored by Energy Saving Trust:
    Beyond Green (Winner)
  • Climate Change Adaptation – Sponsored by Adaptation Scotland:
    Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service (Commendation)
    The James Hutton Institute (Winner)
  • Management SME (under 250 employees) – Sponsored by Stirling University Management School:
    Hickory (Winner)
  • Management Large (over 250 employees) – Sponsored by Glenmorangie:
    DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited (Commended)
    Scottish Leather Group Limited (Winner)
  • Environmental Product or Service – Sponsored by NetRegs:
    Clearwater Controls Ltd (Winner)
  • Green Team – Sponsored by Wave:
    Devro (Scotland) Ltd (Winner)
  • Innovation – Sponsored by ScottishPower:
    Xanthella (Winner)
  • Micro Business – Sponsored by Climate KIC through ECCI:
    Peel Tech Ltd (Winner)

Innovation acknowledged as ASLEE-ENBIO shortlisted in Scottish Green Awards

ALIenergy and Xanthella with the ASLEE-ENBIO project have been selected as finalists for Best Innovation category after being nominated for the Scottish Green Awards. The awards are organised by Scottish Renewables to acknowledge and recognise organisations, people and communities doing exceptional work in the field of renewables. Winners will be announced on 6th December at the award dinner in Edinburgh where more than 1200 industry professionals will gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all the entrants. 

Join us on Twitter @Asleeproject16 #sgea or Facebook for results.

ASLEE-ENBIO is the Innovation winner at Scottish Resources Awards 2018

ASLEE-ENBIO achieved a top accolade at the recent Scottish Resources Awards 2018, as winner in the Innovation category.  Representatives of the project partners ALIenergy (Dr Carole Shellcock and Dr Lynda Mitchel) and Xanthella  (Dr Douglas McKenzie) attended the prestigious award ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and were delighted to receive the winning trophy.  The Scottish Resources Awards recognises the exceptional achievements of Scottish companies striving to promote sustainable practices, reduce environmental impacts and create new business opportunities.

Click here for details of the winners in all categories.