Daegu Seogu Daitec Research Institute, Ghent University Global Campus, and Marine UGent Korea announced on the 26th that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of eco-friendly fiber materials based on algae (aquatic organisms).

Ghent University is a leading research-focused university in Belgium that conducts a wide range of international joint research projects based on its globally recognized research capabilities. In Korea, it is pursuing education, research, and industry-academia-research collaboration focused on the bio, environment, and materials sectors through the Ghent University Global Campus in Songdo, Incheon.

Marine UGent Korea is a marine bio-specialized research institute affiliated with Ghent University that develops utilization technologies for marine resources such as microalgae and seaweed. It carries out activities ranging from the discovery to the application of marine bio-based materials and is expanding its scope into the eco-friendly materials industry.

The MOU was prepared to establish a joint research cooperation system for the development of high value-added fiber materials using algal resources. Until now, algae have been used in limited fields such as food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Research to expand their use into textile raw materials, functional materials, and dyes remains at an early stage.

The main points of the agreement include joint research on algae-based materials; the development of technologies for the extraction, purification, and raw material production of algae-derived substances; research on applications to fiber materials and functional finishing agents; joint use of research facilities and equipment; technology and information exchange; and the training of specialized personnel.

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