Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran

Enhancing food security through the “Technology-based Production of Food Supplements and Nutritional Additives”, which are mostly imported high-value products, is among the important research priorities of the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran. Food security is achieved when all individuals in society have access to sufficient and nutritious food that not only provides the necessary energy but also supplies components required for proper body function and health. The rapid population growth and industrialization show the necessity for the development of the food industry and the creation of novel and diverse food products. However, developing and producing food products with low nutritional quality or containing chemical additives that may endanger human health is a major concern in various countries. The addition of nutritional compounds to human food as well as animal, poultry, and aquatic feeds aims to preserve and enhance the nutritional value or add specific nutritional characteristics to foodstuffs. Therefore, the formulation and production of healthy and health-promoting products are rapidly evolving worldwide. This mega project aims to produce food, supplements, and natural nutritional additives through biotechnological methods, primarily by harnessing the genetic capabilities of indigenous microorganisms and new sources (microalgae), while bearing in mind the effect of advert climate changes and optimized use of unconventional water resources.