1. Algae World
  2. Microalgae application
  3. Origin of microalgae consumption
  4. microalgae nutritional features
  5. Types of microalgae
  6. Current worldwide usage of microalgae

Algae generailly is viewed as aquatic plants. However, biologists think algae encompass several groups of relatively simple living aquatic organisms. Unlike vascular plants, algae does not have leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and other organ structures that characterized higher plants. Although many species of algae are only unicullular, it contains chlorophyll and all kinds of pigments exist in each algae to conduct photosynthesis. Therefore, algae is distinguished from other portozoa because of their photoautotrophic characteristic.

Botanists classify algae into nine phylum based on distinct features of different microalgae, including pigment types, nucleus and cellular components. Although there are many types of microalgae, the most common ones are chlorella, brown alga, red alga and spirulina.

Habitats of algae

The distribution of algae is very wide and their scope of habitats includes seas, ponds, and lands. Algae can be found in tree trunks, walls, rock, soil, iceberg, dessert, and even in the air or clouds. Some Spirulina also grows in hot spring which temperature is as high as 80 Celsius.

What is microalgae?

Algae vary from small and single-celled to complex multicellular species. Algae that can only be seen by microscope is called microalgae.

The most ancient organism
Algae have been living on earth since 3.5 billion years ago and it is also the earliest prokaryote able to undergo photosynthesis. The oldest algae fossil found was in a 3.5 billion-years-old sediment in Australia and Transvaal, South Africa.

Surviving experts
Since algae have been living for more than 3.5 billion years, it is capable of changing its molecular structure to adjust to acute chemical and physical environmental change.

Algae raise lives
It is estimated that algae produce about 90 percent of the net global production of oxygen (other 10% provided by green plants). Algae is also an important food source for many animals on earth.

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Algae Applications

  • All kinds of natural nutritional products
  • All kinds of cosmetic products.
  • Fluorescent bioreagents for medical diagnostics
  • Aquaculture feeds
  • Industrial raw material

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Origin of algae consumption

French Scientists discover that in the desolate and barren Sahara desert, a tribe use algae collected from the lakes as the major food source. Further research shows that the algae contain nearly all the necessary nutrient required for human and even include some trace elements that’s hard to be found in other food sources. Therefore, algae are viewed as the greatest discovery for solving famine crisis in the future.

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Nutritional specialty of Microalgae
Algae contains…

  • 60~70% Protein, 3 times higher than meat/fish. A complete protein contains all essential amino acid.
  • High content of linoleic acid, a member of an essential fatty acid called omega-6-fatty acids
  • High cellulose level, 8~12%
  • All essential vitamins, especially beta-carotene (2 times higher than carrot!) and vitamin B complex.
  • Many minerals. Iron content is 50 times as spinach. Calcium content is 5 times as milk. Also contains trace elements K, Mg, Mn, and I.
  • Pigments such as chlorophyll and phycocyanin
  • Extract contains more than 15 kinds of Carotenoids and vitamin E.

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Microalgae Classification
The most common types are chlorella, red alga, and Spirulina.


Types

Chlorella

Spirulina

Red Alga

Growth condition

Fresh water

Sea water

Sea water

Shape

Spherical

Spiral

Spherical

Size

3-5μm in Dimension

100-200μm in length

5-10μm in dimension

Enriched nutrients

Chlorella growth factor (C.G.F.), vitamin C, chlorophyll, cellulose

Spirulina Growth Factor (S.G.F.), phycocyanin, beta-carotene, vitamin B12.

 

DHA

[Chlorella Growth Factor]
Contains nucleic acid, protein, water-soluble vitamin, and minerals. It’s also called vegetal placenta essence due to the similarity between animal placenta essences.
[Vitamin C]
Maintain dense connective tissue in the body, help normal development of teeth and bones, increase absorption of iron and collagen.
[Folic acid]
a co-enzyme involved in formation of red blood cells. Maintain normal development of infants.
[Spirulina Growth Factor]
Contains nucleic acids, nucleotide, small proteins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals.
[phycocyanin]
Similar to biliprotein in human body.
[Cellulose]
dietary fiber, acting as a hydrophilic bulking agent for feces.
[Beta-carotene]
Precursor of vitamin A, which maintains skin mucous healthy. Also helps the normal development of teeth and bones.
[Vitamin B12]
The only vegetable food source contains B12, ideal for vegetarians. Maintain healthiness of red blood cells and nerve system.
[DHA]
An omega-3-essential fatty acid, extracted from red alga.

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Current worldwide usage of microalgae
1. FDA lists chlorella as meal supplements
2. Japan lists chlorella as health food
3. China list chlorella as health care food.
4. Mexican Olympics player appoints chlorella in diet.

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