Research & Publications | Aenon Climate Technology

Our Research Focus Areas

Advancing seaweed biotechnology through rigorous scientific investigation

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Seaweed Cultivation

Optimization of growth conditions, nutrient absorption rates, and biomass production for Codium, Sargassum, and Gracilaria species in controlled RAS environments.

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Bioactive Compounds

Extraction, characterization, and efficacy testing of methane-inhibiting compounds from seaweed, including bromoform and halogenated molecules.

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RAS Integration

System design, water quality dynamics, and synergistic effects of fish-seaweed co-cultivation in recirculating aquaculture systems.

Key Research Findings

Evidence-based results from our ongoing scientific work

Our Research Facilities & Field Operations

In Vitro Testing

Controlled environment seaweed cultivation

Sample Analysis

Bioactive compound extraction & testing

Processing Facility

Commercial-scale seaweed processing

In Vivo Trials

Livestock methane reduction testing

Field Testing

Real-world cattle farm validation

Ocean Farming

Sustainable seaweed cultivation at scale

Methane Reduction Efficacy

82-90%

Methane emission reduction observed in controlled feeding trials

In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that seaweed bioactive feed additives at 0.5-2% inclusion rates achieve dramatic reductions in enteric methane production without negatively impacting animal health or productivity.

Nutrient Removal Efficiency

95%+

Nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from aquaculture wastewater

Seaweed biofilters in integrated RAS demonstrate exceptional nutrient absorption, converting fish waste into valuable biomass while maintaining optimal water quality parameters for fish health.

Growth Rate Optimization

15-30%

Weekly biomass increase under optimal conditions

Our cultivation protocols achieve rapid seaweed growth rates that enable commercial-scale production. Species-specific optimization of light, temperature, and nutrient availability maximizes yield.

Feed Conversion Improvement

+8-12%

Improved feed efficiency in livestock trials

Methane inhibition redirects hydrogen energy to productive metabolism, resulting in better feed conversion ratios and improved animal performance alongside emission reductions.

Experimental Validation

Rigorous in vitro and in vivo testing confirms efficacy of seaweed-based solutions

IN VITRO

Laboratory Testing & Bioassays

Controlled environment biochemical validation

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Methane Production Inhibition

85-92%

Reduction at 1-2% inclusion

Simulated rumen fermentation tests using RUSITEC (Rumen Simulation Technique) demonstrated consistent methane suppression across multiple seaweed species.

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Bioactive Compound Stability

>80%

Bromoform retention after processing

Our RSM-optimized desalination protocol (40-70%) preserves critical halogenated compounds while ensuring palatability and safety for livestock.

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Gas Chromatography Analysis

≤5 min

Critical air exposure time

GC-MS quantification confirmed that minimizing air exposure during processing and storing at 5-10°C maintains compound integrity.

✓ Key In Vitro Findings

Dose-dependent methane reduction (0.5-2% inclusion rate optimal)
No negative impact on digestibility or volatile fatty acid profiles
Species-specific compound concentrations identified
Thermal stability tests confirm feed-manufacturing compatibility
Bromoform & related halomethanes confirmed as active agents
Compatible with standard feed formulations

IN VIVO

Livestock Field Trials

Real-world validation with cattle and ruminants

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Enteric Methane Reduction

82-90%

CH₄ emissions reduction in cattle

Measured via GreenFeed® systems and respiration chambers, dairy and beef cattle showed sustained, significant methane reductions over 90-120 day trials.

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Feed Conversion Efficiency

+8-12%

Improvement in FCR

Methane inhibition redirects metabolic hydrogen to productive pathways, resulting in better weight gain and milk production efficiency.

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Animal Health & Safety

100%

No adverse health effects

Comprehensive blood panels, body condition scoring, and behavioral assessments confirmed zero negative impacts on animal welfare.

✓ Key In Vivo Findings

Sustained efficacy over 90-120 day feeding periods
No palatability issues or feed refusal observed
Maintained milk quality and meat characteristics
Compatible with standard livestock management practices
Economically viable at 1.5% diet inclusion rate
Potential for carbon credit generation verified

🤝 Research & Collaboration Partners

Working together to advance seaweed climate technology

🏛️ Academic Institutions

• Seoul National University
• Korea Maritime & Ocean University
• Pukyong National University

🏢 Government & Research Institutes

• Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST)
• National Institute of Animal Science
• Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

🌐 Industry & Commercial Partners

• Leading RAS aquaculture farms
• Dairy and beef livestock operations
• Feed manufacturing companies

💼 Funding & Support

• SK Net Zero Challenge Program
• Korea SME Technology Innovation Program
• Green Climate Fund initiatives

Interested in collaboration? We welcome partnerships with research institutions, industry leaders, and policy makers committed to climate solutions.

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Publications & Technical Notes

Academic papers, technical reports, and research collaborations

IN PROGRESS

Seaweed-Integrated RAS: System Design and Performance

Aenon Research Team (2024)

Comprehensive analysis of water quality parameters, nutrient cycling, and economic performance in a pilot-scale seaweed-integrated recirculating aquaculture system co-cultivating flatfish and Gracilaria species.

RESEARCH

Bioactive Compound Profiles in Korean Seaweed Species

Aenon Research Team (2024)

Quantitative analysis of methane-inhibiting compounds in Codium fragile, Sargassum horneri, and related species cultivated under controlled conditions. Includes extraction protocols and stability testing.

TECHNICAL

Cultivation Protocols for Seaweed RAS Integration

Technical Note Series 001 (2024)

Detailed operational guidelines for integrating seaweed cultivation into existing RAS facilities, including system sizing, species selection criteria, and maintenance protocols.

📚 Research Collaboration Opportunities

We actively collaborate with academic institutions, government research organizations, and industry partners. Areas of interest include:

✓ Seaweed genetics and strain optimization
✓ Microbiome dynamics in integrated systems
✓ Life cycle assessment and environmental impact
✓ Scale-up engineering and economic modeling

Research Partnerships

Building knowledge through collaboration

🎓 Academic Institutions

Collaborations with leading universities for fundamental research, student projects, and joint publications advancing seaweed biotechnology.

🏛️ Government Research

Partnerships with national research institutes on applied projects, pilot demonstrations, and policy-relevant studies for sustainable aquaculture.

🏭 Industry Partners

Joint development projects with aquaculture operations, feed manufacturers, and agricultural companies for real-world validation and commercialization.

Collaborate with Our Research Team

Interested in research collaboration, data sharing, or joint project development? We welcome inquiries from academic, government, and industry partners.

Contact Research Team View Our Technology