Following our previous blog post titled “Neoalgae identified three algae for wastewater or effluent cleansing” where Neoalgae identified three microalgae species—Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis chui, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum—ideal for wastewater or effluent cleansing. This post is a continuation of the survey that takes a closer look at the key cellular characteristics, habitats, cultivation conditions, and some potential applications for each type of algae. In this article, we are diving into a study published by Fidel Delgado, the CEO of Neoalgae, that highlights the potential of Phaeodactylum Tricornutum as a model for producing fucoxanthin, a compound known for its health benefits, especially in liver protection. This research finds itself aligned with the increasing consumer demand for natural products that promote health. It also showcases how scientific advancements can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial practices.
What does Phaeodactylum Tricornutum bring to the table
As a component of IMPRESS, Fidel Delgado and Noalgae members María Álvarez Gil and Víctor Casado, elaborated and published the study, “Phaeodactylum Tricornutum as Fucoxanthin Biofactory Model and Hepatoprotective Effect of Encapsulated Spirulina and Fucoxanthin,” It focused on the potential of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in producing fucoxanthin, a natural substance that has gained attention for its ability to protect the liver.
The study underscores how scientific progress can boost sustainable practices and meet the rising consumer demand for natural, health-promoting products, and the industrial-scale production of microalgae has increased in recent decades due to growing consumer demand for natural products.
This is reinforced by data analysed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and SPINS, which reveals that the natural products segment within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry is experiencing robust growth. From mid-2015 to mid-2019, natural product revenue increased by 25%, primarily due to rising unit sales rather than changes in price or product mix. This growth is supported by consumers’ desire for products that offer health benefits and are produced by socially and environmentally conscious companies (BCG Global).
Why Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Matters
The study used a mix of artificial and natural seawater to cultivate Phaeodactylum tricornutum in specialized bioreactors. The resulting product, a powder containing pure fucoxanthin, was tested on liver cells and demonstrated significant protective effects against damage.
- Health Benefits: Fucoxanthin, derived from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, shows promise in protecting liver cells from damage. The microalgae were grown in a mixture of artificial and natural seawater, using a special culture medium, in columns and raceway photobioreactors inside a greenhouse. The final product was a powder containing 2.59% of pure fucoxanthin. In lab tests on liver cells over 24 hours, this fucoxanthin effectively protected the cells from damage caused by methotrexate¹ at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL. This indicates that fucoxanthin may have benefits in relation to liver health and it has potential for use in health supplements.
- Industrial Potential: The study demonstrated the feasibility of mass-producing fucoxanthin, meeting the increasing consumer demand for natural products.
- Sustainable Practices: The results were in line with the growing trend of sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods.
Findings of this nature emphasize and reinforce the importance of research in paving the way for future innovations in the bioeconomy sector and beyond.
Find the full study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/13/7794
¹: Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite most commonly used in chemotherapy and immunosuppression in auto-immune diseases. This activity describes the indications, action, and contraindications for Methotrexate as a valuable agent in treating a wide variety of neoplastic diseases. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556114 /).
