Fermentalg granted patent for mixotrophic process to breed microalgae
Microalgae is increasingly being used in cosmetics and skin care products and Fermentalg hopes this patent further consolidates its position as the world's technological leader in the industrial exploitation of microalgae.
The new active ingredient patent filed by Fermentalg, which was awarded by the French Patent Office (INPI) is being progressively rolled out in various key countries, covers the process for breeding mixotrophic single-cell algae using short bursts of light.
Recognition
The industrial biotechnology company says that it also adds yet another building block to the Group's extensive portfolio of intellectual rights that already includes 25 families of patents.
"This is yet another major recognition for the excellence of our work as scientists and above all a formidable barrier-to-entry which enables us to consolidate our position as an industry leader on a global scale,” says Pierre Calleja, Founder and Chairman and CEO of Fermentalg.
“Fermentalg is currently the only company capable of fully mastering today's cutting-edge technology for breeding microalgae on an industrial scale."
Process
The new process of breeding of microalgae in a predominantly heterotrophic mixotrophic environment is one that has seen a lot of research into it in recent years.
Research has proved that a vast number of species of microalgae are mixotrophic, which means that they can survive both through photosynthesis (autotrophic) and through fermentation using organic compounds (heterotrophic).
Fermentalg has also proved that the breeding of microalgae species can be optimized by introducing short bursts of light to traditional heterotrophic farming that uses fermentation techniques.
The intensity of the lighting has a direct effect on the quantity and quality of the microalgae bred in a mixotrophic environment to improve their economic performance but also increase the range of products covered.
