Microalgae and Agricultural Innovation: Insights from Prof. Miguel García Guerrero on Five Decades of Research

03 March2025, Madrid: Microalgae have played a fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth for billions of years. However, only in recent decades has their vast potential in agriculture, biotechnology, and other industries begun to be fully explored. With their ability to enhance crop resilience, improve soil health, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, these microorganisms are increasingly recognized as a key resource in modern farming.

At the forefront of microalgae research is Prof. Miguel García Guerrero, Chief Science Officer at AlgaEnergy and one of the leading pioneers in the field. In an exclusive interview featured in the New AG International Yearbook, Prof. García Guerrero shares insights from nearly five decades of scientific exploration, discussing the biological capabilities, technological applications, and growing impact of microalgae across multiple sectors.

The Power of Microalgae: A Lifetime of Discovery

From the beginning of his career, Prof. García Guerrero recognized the extraordinary potential of microalgae. These microorganisms, capable of capturing sunlight and transforming simple nutrients into energy, have shaped the Earth’s atmosphere and ecosystems for billions of years. As he explains:

“About three billion years ago, an ancestor of modern microalgae invented oxygenic photosynthesis, a capability that altered the course of life on Earth.”

Their ability to efficiently convert solar energy into biochemical processes has made them a valuable tool for biotechnology and sustainable development. With scientific advancements, microalgae are now unlocking new possibilities in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and biomedicine.

Bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application has been a defining aspect of Prof. García Guerrero’s career. As Chief Science Officer at AlgaEnergy, he has led pioneering efforts to integrate microalgae-based technologies into commercial agricultural solutions, optimizing bioprocesses to enhance the production of bioactive compounds, such as astaxanthin, for more efficient and sustainable agricultural inputs.

With over 100 scientific publications, multiple patents, and leadership roles in major research institutions, his work has helped shape the understanding and real-world application of microalgae in modern agriculture.

Microalgae as a Game-Changer in Agriculture

Microalgae have evolved from a subject of scientific research to a scalable, field-ready solution for sustainable agriculture. Their ability to stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve soil microbiota is transforming farming practices. Used as biostimulants and biofertilizers, they are helping farmers increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.

“The biodiversity of microalgae offers limitless possibilities. By integrating research with practical applications, we can redefine industries and address global challenges.”

Beyond agriculture, the metabolic versatility of microalgae allows them to capture CO₂, recycle nutrients, and produce high-value bioactive compounds. These properties are driving advancements not only in climate-smart agriculture, but also in fields such as food and nutrition, biomedicine, cosmetics, environmental sustainability, and the development of new biomaterials.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Microalgae in Agriculture

As Prof. García Guerrero highlights, the full potential of microalgae is still being uncovered. The discovery of new species, improved bioprocessing techniques, and specialized agricultural formulations will further enhance their role as biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biocontrol agents. These advancements will help reduce dependency on synthetic inputs while improving the efficiency and sustainability of modern farming.

At the same time, the industry’s focus on circular economy principles is accelerating research into high-quality microalgae-based bioproducts with improved consistency and performance. With their biological versatility and adaptability, microalgae are set to play a critical role in the future of agriculture and environmental sustainability.

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