Production of valuable compounds from microalgae

Production of valuable compounds from microalgae

Microalgae are widely recognized as a source for producing various valuable products. According to global trade statistics, the market volume for algae products in agriculture, human nutrition, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and health applications was $34.11 billion in 2016, increasing by 17.9% to $59.17 billion in the past year. Given the economic importance of microalgae and our country's climatic potential for expanding this industry, a portion of the research at the Food Biotechnology Research Institute is dedicated to this subject. Efforts include establishing and developing a native microalgae bank, designing and constructing an innovative photobioreactor system for optimal production of  microalga, mass production of  the microalga Dunaliella biomass in closed systems under contracts with the private sector for complementary pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and health products, achieving technical knowledge for natural pigment production such as β-carotene from Dunaliella at pilot scale, developing a zero-carbon hybrid greenhouse for plant and microalgae cultivation in collaboration with the Energy Research Institute, and designing an open system for microalgae cultivation tailored to the country's climate conditions in collaboration with the private and implementation sectors to execute major research outcomes and achievements. Currently, this research institute serves as a national reference in this field, alongside its research activities, by providing technical consultancy, overseeing the implementation of knowledge-based production projects, training, and constructive collaboration to facilitate legal regulations (preparation of relevant guidelines within the Iran Fisheries Organization and Food and Drug Organization) to support the development of the microalgae industry in the country.

For more information, please email PRpr@abrii.ac.ir