Non-fuel Products from Algae An Overview

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1 List of Contents Non-fuel Products from Algae An Overview Introduction Non-fuel Products from Algae o Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals o Food & Feed o Specialty Chemicals o Personal Care Products o Natural Pigments o Novel Products from Algae Conclusion Introduction The global markets for algae-based products and biofuels are poised for explosive growth over the next decade. The non-biofuel related products from algae including pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals, human and animal feed will play a decisive role in the success of algae production ventures. As is well known, some microalgal species contain oil upto 40% by weight, and some macroalgae species contain sugar or cellulose to the extent of 40% by weight. After these lipids or carbohydrates can be used for biodiesel or ethanol production respectively, the remaining 60-70% of the biomass remains a key area of exploration and development for algae producers. Use of this remaining biomass to evolve co-product market strategies will remain critical in determining the long-term commercial viability and success of algae energy domain. Thus, the upcoming newsletters will provide insights on the wide range of applications of algae for non-fuel end products, considering both current and future prospects. This report provides a snapshot of such non-fuel products obtained from algae both micro and macroalgae. Future newsletters will expand on each of the product categories listed here. Non-fuel Products from Algae There are several valuable non-fuel products that can be derived from the protein and carbohydrate fractions of algae. A few among them which are noteworthy include: 1. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals 2. Food & Feed 3. Specialty Chemicals

2 4. Personal Care Products 5. Natural Pigments 6. Novel Products from Algae 1. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals Use of microalgae, especially the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), for antibiotics and pharmacologically active compounds has received ever increasing interest. A large number of antibiotic compounds, many with novel structures, have been isolated and characterized. Many cyanobacteria have been shown to produce antiviral and antineoplastic compounds. The growing use of algae biomass for nutraceutical purposes is expected to provide an attractive revenue stream for those using algae oil for biodiesel. While nutraceutical content in the baseline algae strain is very small, current market values for these products are extremely high. Physiologically-active nutraceuticals from algae include food supplements, dietary supplements, value-added processed foods as well as non-food supplements such as tablets, soft gels, capsules etc. A few pharmaceutical & nutraceutical products that are obtained from both microalgae and macroalgae include: Pharmaceuticals Antimicrobials, Antivirals & Antifungals Neuroprotective Products Slimming Related Products Anti-cellulite Nutraceuticals Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) DHA Carotenoids Astaxanthin

3 2. Food & Feed Nutritional studies have demonstrated that algal proteins are of high quality and comparable to conventional vegetable proteins Human food supplement - Blue-green algae such as spirulina are used as a protein supplement due to a wide variety of benefits such as: o Increased energy & improved memory o reduction of stress, anxiety and depression o Relief from allergies and even better regulation of weight and appetite. Animal & Fish feed - Microalgae are used as essential live feeds and supplements in the aquaculture of larval and juvenile animals as it is a rich source of carotene of vitamin A. A few food-related products that are obtained from microalgae and macroalgae include: Foods and Food Supplements Single-cell protein Sushi Kombu Kelp Nori Animal & Fish Feed Shrimp Feed Shellfish Diet Livestock feed 3. Specialty Chemicals An emerging trend in algal biofuel arena is the utilization of synthetic biology and genomics to enhance the productivity and increase the utility of algae to produce advanced green plastics and chemicals from biopolymers. Algae based resins, biopolymers, bioplastics and a range of specialty chemicals are have started replacing today's fossil fuel chemical products. The market for bioplastics is currently a tiny niche in the global plastics market but is expected to double by 2012 as rising oil prices and environmental regulations crimp petroleum-based products.

4 Specialty chemicals that are obtained from algae (both micro and macroalgae) include products in categories such as: Biopolymers Bioplastics Biolubricants 4. Personal Care Products Algae cosmetics are one of the spin-offs from all the current algae research Algae has been used in a broad range of personal care products for many years, but is increasingly being included in formulations on the back of growing interest in naturaland organic-based formulations. In cosmetics, algae act as thickening agents, water-binding agents, and antioxidants thereby stopping or eliminating wrinkling, heal skin. A few personal care products that are obtained from both microalgae and macroalgae include: Skin creams Shampoos Soaps Cleansers Masks 5. Natural Pigments The natural colourants from algae are gaining importance over their synthetic counterparts in view of their non-toxic and non-carcinogenic properties. Phycocyanin (blue) and phycoerthrin (red), collectively called phycobillins, are the two major natural pigments commercially utilized from algae. A few natural pigments obtained from both microalgae and macroalgae that are used in various industries include: Anti-fouling Paints & Coatings Dyes Colourants

5 6. Novel Products from Algae The biotechnological use of algae including both microalgae and macroalgae has extended into novel areas of product research in addition to the products that are notified previously. Some of them which are worth mentioning are: Conclusion Batteries Diatomaceous Earth Sweet biscuits Algal lectins for prevention of HIV transmission Beverages Pulp The algal products listed above evidently imply that the applications of algae range from simple biomass production for food and feed to valuable products for ecological applications. For most of these applications, the market is still developing. Thus, non-fuel algal product markets must be rigorously analyzed to ensure highly efficient separation and capture of all valuable algae materials.