# Convergence Accelerator Bio-Inspired Design Innovations: SequestStar: capturing carbon and reusing waste streams

> **NSF 01002425RB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (MD) · $5,000,000

## Abstract

The SequestStar vision is to develop an economically viable biomanufacturing process that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The SequestStar process uses specialized microalgae to strip carbon dioxide from the air and calcium from brine (concentrated salt water) to form calcium carbonate. Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is an economically valuable product used in multiple industries including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, paper, plastics, and building materials. SequestStar will support these industries by providing alternative sources for PCC. In addition, the SequestStar microalgae create compounds that are valuable for human health, enhancing the economic viability of the process and public well-being. This project also will contribute to national water security by using waste brine produced by desalination drinking water plants – transforming the waste streams of these plants into a source of economically valuable products. Using SequestStar PCC in concrete for coral and oyster habitat restoration could provide new materials needed to help counteract ecosystem degradation and species extinction. 

This Convergence Accelerator program will significantly advance the SequestStar technology down the path toward commercialization. The SequestStar process is inspired by whiting events in lakes during which precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) forms when the pH of the water rises in response to microalgal growth. By mimicking the geochemistry of whiting ev

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2452590
- **Awardee organization:** University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JHTYTGKYWLL9
- **PI:** Elizabeth W North
- **Primary program:** 01002425RB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $5,000,000
- **Funds obligated:** $2,000,000
- **Transaction type:** Cooperative Agreement
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2452590

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2452590, Convergence Accelerator Bio-Inspired Design Innovations: SequestStar: capturing carbon and reusing waste streams. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2452590. Licensed CC0.

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