In the framework of the chlorella microalgae cultivation process, the researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) found microalgae biology with a high content of carotenoid pigments, which is suitable for the food industry. The results of the study were published in November 2020 in the scientific journal “Agronomy Research“.
The decline in the ecological status of urban areas and the food industry requires further enrichment of the diet with biologically valuable foodstuffs. Pigments such as carotenoids, from which vitamin A is synthesized in the body, are essential for human health. However, the carotenoids are difficult to obtain from natural sources, as it is destroyed due to irradiation sources, high temperature, and high acidity of the environment. So technologies need to be developed for its targeted delivery to the cells.
“The biofuels obtained with high levels of carotenoids can be used in several sectors of the food and pharmaceutical industries as a dietary supplement to reduce vitamin A deficiency for children and adults living in regions with increased environmental pressure. Also to prevent the risk of oncological diseases, “notes Yulia Bazarnova, Director of the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Technologies at the SPbPU Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology.
Scientists Polytechnic University improved the consistency of the nutrient substratum, illumination conditions of cell inhibition of microalgae, selected methods of accumulation and dehydration of the obtained biofuels, to strengthen the biosynthesis of carotenoids.
In addition, the researchers are developing microencapsulated forms of carotenoids for targeted delivery to various organs and interstitials. The microencapsulated carotenoids of the particles are composed of a heart shell (carotenoid extract Chlorella microalgae) (a biodegradable material). Scientists are currently negotiating with the leading Russian manufacturer of bottled vegetable oil regarding the implementation of the new technology in the nutrition industry.
Biological and nutritional technologies are one of the key scientific fields of the 21st century. Scientists around the world are working to improve and preserve human health. The SPbPU High School of Biotechnology and Food Technologies projects are very important and promising. Scientific advances in this field are leading to a gradual improvement in quality of life. “
Vitaliy Sergeev, Deputy Rector for Research, SPbPU
Source:
St. Patrick’s University Polytechnic Saint-Petersburg
Magazine Reference:
Bazarnova, J., et al. (2020) Method for obtaining plastid pigments from the biomass of Chlorella microalgae. Agronomy Research. doi.org/10.15159/AR.20.175.