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Microalgae

  • Context (TH): CSIR-IICT scientists identify the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract derived from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana, as an ideal ingredient.
  • Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) is found exclusively in the cell nucleus of ‘chlorella’ and is produced during photosynthesis.
  • It is laden with a variety of beneficial components, including peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Benefits of CGF

  • It prevents viruses from growing, increases the body’s resistance to disease infection, and also controls cancer cells.
  • It helps stimulate tissue and genetic material repair, protect and support cellular functions, improve nutrient intake, regulate enzyme production, protect cells against toxin, and improve bowel function.
  • It helps lower blood pressure, improve liver function, improve blood counts, regulate blood sugar levels, renew cells, heal anaemia, restore body energy etc.

Microalgae

  • Microalgae are unicellular to filamentous in form.
  • They lack roots, vascular systems, leaves and stems, and are autotrophic and photosynthetic.
  • Microalgae are generally eukaryotic organisms, although cyanobacteria, such as spirulina (prokaryotes), are included under microalgae due to their photosynthetic and reproductive properties.
  • They range in size from about 5 micrometres (µm) to more than 100 µm.
  • They can be found all over the planet & even in extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or salt concentrations, low acidity, in presence of high contaminant concentrations, etc.

Benefits

Environmental benefits

  • Carbon Capture and Climate Change Mitigation: They can sequester carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, thus reducing the greenhouse gas effect.
  • Bioremediation: Microalgae can clean up polluted water bodies by absorbing toxins and heavy metals through bioremediation.

Economic advantages

  • Renewable Biofuel Production: Microalgae can be processed into biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Cost-Effective Cultivation: Microalgae can be grown in ponds, photobioreactors, or even wastewater, requiring less land and resources compared to traditional crops.

Health and nutritional benefits

  • Rich Nutrient Profile: Microalgae are a source of high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a superfood for human consumption.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications: Certain microalgae produce bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, which can be used in drug development.

Industrial and commercial applications

  • Bioplastics and Biochemicals: Microalgae can be used to produce biodegradable plastics and various biochemicals, reducing reliance on petrochemicals.
  • Cosmetics and Skincare: The antioxidants and vitamins in microalgae are valuable in the cosmetics industry for making skin care products.

Learn in detail about Algae.

 

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