Despite their ability to create matter out of thin air, algae and cyanobacteria have long been neglected by the biotech industry. Recently, however, they have started to gain traction in new market niches.
In the center of Paris, just across from Marie Curies old laboratory, Pierre Crozet, Associate Professor at Sorbonne University, studies photosynthesis. His research focuses on making microalgae easier to engineer and thus more appealing to the industry. [Microalgae] are photosynthetic, and quite efficient at it, but require much less space or nutrients than land plants, he told me.
The idea that new technologies should serve sustainability has started taking root in society. Using photosynthetic microbes for biotech applications appears to be a no-brainer. Algae grow biomass literally out of thin air, only needing water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic nutrients. Many grow on seawater and in lands not suitable for agriculture.
Today, we are managing quite well in transforming algae. I would thus not consider it particularly difficult, says Crozet, pointing out that, nowadays, obtaining a new strain of algae using genetic engineering takes just weeks. So, technically, they should be able to effectively replace bacteria and yeast, which generally require more complex growth facilities as well as the input of a sugar source in order to be able to generate any product.
However, algae have historically not been considered a good alternative to yeast and bacteria because of their slower growth rate. In addition, the crash of many algae biofuel companies about a decade ago dealt a blow to the field that it still has trouble recovering from.
The early 2010s saw several startups forming to produce biofuels, mainly in the US. Many claimed to be close to offering algal biofuel at competitive market prices. Sapphire Energy, Solazyme, and Algenol, among others, received significant public and private investments and built up high expectations. But due to technological challenges and the drop in oil prices between 2015 and 2016, no product became commercially viable and these businesses either went bankrupt or had to radically change their focus.
The [challenge] of algae and cyanobacteria comes down to their slow growth and the cost of production, says Hugh Goold, Research Scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia. According to Goold, the resources required to keep photosynthesis going is very high, meaning they dont replicate as quickly as the bacteria and yeast commonly used in biotech applications.
Bacteria and yeast have been optimized for many years in biotech applications such as producing commodity chemicals as well as high-value compounds such as pharmaceuticals, meaning that photosynthetic organisms can no longer compete with these applications. Investors have to know that you are going to produce a product cheaper than other people can. It isnt worthwhile to produce something in algae instead of E. coli just because, said Goold.
Despite this challenge, algae and cyanobacteria have started to get interest from new market niches where they could offer key advantages over traditional bioproduction methods.
Microalgae capture sunlight using pigments of vibrant colors, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycocyanin. In particular, the algae spirulina and chlorella found their way to the market a long time ago as food supplements and food colorants. Algae are also an excellent source of protein, which opens up a lot of opportunities in the production of meat analogs and vegan food in general.
Unilever, a massive producer of food and other consumer goods, has seen the nutritional potential of microalgae, partnering with UK-based company Algenuity in July. Algae are a source of high-quality plant-based protein, said Manfred Aben, Vice President of Science & Technology at Unilever. These products will appeal to a variety of consumers; for vegans and vegetarians but also for flexitarians and meat-eaters looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.
Within the food and beverage sector, the opportunities for microalgae-based ingredients are strong and tangible, explained Andrew Spicer, CEO of Algenuity. We do anticipate applications for microalgae-based ingredients in markets other than food and beverages where similar drivers around sustainability, plant-based, and natural sources of ingredients are equally strong.
Last year, the Dutch food and biochemical company Corbion announced a similar partnership with Nestl, signaling that big players in the food industry are starting to increasingly recognize the potential value of algae products. Other companies gaining traction in the field are Algama in France seeking to provide meat alternatives, and AlgaEnergy in Spain producing food and feed as well as cosmetics and fertilizers from algae.
In 2011, Renana Krebs graduated from the Shenkar College of Engineering, Design, and Art in Tel Aviv with a degree in fashion. While working for fashion brands, she realized the huge impact the industry has on the environment. Clothes and textiles manufacturing accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Looking for alternative solutions, Krebs teamed up with her father and founded Algalife, a German-Israeli company offering algae-based fibers and textiles.
Algalife stands for a better planet and a better fashion industry. We provide and enable the opportunity for everyone to make better choices, for a healthy, sustainable well-being, Krebs told me. The company collaborates with fashion brands that are willing to learn and adjust their practices to include the green fibers, and even pay more for sustainable solutions.
Renana Krebs considers algae as one of the most influential resources for sustainable development, and notes that she gets requests from companies outside the fashion industry.
Over in San Diego, California, the startup Algenesis has been using algae oil as a replacement for petroleum. The two first products launched by the startup, whose founders are all surfers, are a surfboard and flip flops made from an algal biopolymer that is biodegradable.
In addition to fashion, algae can also be used to produce sustainable alternatives to everyday petrochemical products. For example, the startup Living Ink, in the US, aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to printing ink using cyanobacteria.
After some initial hiccups, algae seem to be finding their way into the market. The new generation of startups in this field focus more on business-to-business relationships but build their branding around customers demand for environmentally friendly products.
It seems clear that cyanobacteria and algae will not replace bacteria and yeast as fermentation organisms in traditional applications. However, they have unique characteristics and a potential waiting to be unlocked by more research and daring business ideas. I cannot see limitations to what can be done with algae, but our own imagination, noted Crozet.
Cover illustration by Elena Resko, pictures courtesy of AlgaEnergy and AlgaLife
Go here to see the original:
After Years of Neglect, Algae Biotechnology Makes a... - Labiotech.eu
- Biotechnology Research Among Science Returned to Earth - ISS National Lab - May 5th, 2024
- Program to prepare next generation of biotech experts receives renewed funding - The University of Rhode Island - May 5th, 2024
- Designing drugs with reversible activity - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- ScienceLIVE helps answer 'What the Heck is Biotech?' for career-minded adults - UMass Medical School - May 5th, 2024
- Boston Micro Fabrication Launches BMF Biotechnology Inc. to Advance Use of 3D BioChips in Pharmaceutical and ... - Morningstar - May 5th, 2024
- Time to leverage intellectual property to drive innovation in seed and biotechnology sectors: Experts - The Times of India - May 5th, 2024
- Vir Biotechnology to Participate in the BofA Securities Healthcare Conference 2024 - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024
- WuXi Biologics withdraws from 2024 BIO convention amid worsening geopolitical tensions - FiercePharma - May 5th, 2024
- Boston Micro Fabrication Launches BMF Biotechnology Inc. to Advance Use of 3D BioChips in Pharmaceutical and ... - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024
- U.S. Biotechnology Market Size to Increase USD 1.79 Trillion by 2033 - BioSpace - April 16th, 2024
- 6 biotechnology universities in the USA developing young talent - Labiotech.eu - April 16th, 2024
- Lee Hsien Loong presided over efforts to retool Singapore's export-driven economy by focusing on advanced ... - NBC Right Now - April 16th, 2024
- UNITY Biotechnology, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Business Updates - GlobeNewswire - April 16th, 2024
- Lee Hsien Loong presided over efforts to retool Singapore's export-driven economy by focusing on advanced ... - pdclarion.com - April 16th, 2024
- BIO's top lobbyist heads out the door - FiercePharma - April 16th, 2024
- BIO's top lobbyist exits, signaling reorganization - STAT - STAT - April 16th, 2024
- Biotech Rebound Could Boost This ETF - ETF Trends - April 16th, 2024
- US National Security, China and Biotechnology in 2024 - BioSpace - April 8th, 2024
- How to Invest in Biotechnology (Updated 2024) - Nasdaq - April 8th, 2024
- Self-pigmenting textiles grown from cellulose-producing bacteria with engineered tyrosinase expression - Nature.com - April 8th, 2024
- Genetically encoding colors and images into bioengineered microbial materials - Nature.com - April 8th, 2024
- Ambition and urgency: Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU - EURACTIV - April 8th, 2024
- Scientists create plastic-free vegan leather that dyes itself, grown from bacteria - Phys.org - April 8th, 2024
- For national security, the U.S. must maintain its biotech dominance - STAT - April 8th, 2024
- LLY, REGN, BHVN: Which Biotech Stock Offers the Most Upside? - Yahoo Finance - April 8th, 2024
- Is biotechnology a good career? Here are the pros and cons - Labiotech.eu - March 18th, 2024
- Saving Biology With Blue Biotechnology - The Maritime Executive - March 18th, 2024
- 30 Biggest Biotechnology Companies in the World - Yahoo Finance - March 18th, 2024
- WuXi out of biotech trade group, U.S. and China relations to blame - STAT - March 18th, 2024
- Can Biotechnology Save the Fashion Industry? - EARTH.ORG - March 18th, 2024
- Huber high-precision temperature control solutions for the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology - Labmate Online - March 18th, 2024
- The twelve hottest biotech companies in the Boston area - Labiotech.eu - March 18th, 2024
- Vancouver readies for its position as a global pharma capital as B.C.'s biotech boom takes off - The Globe and Mail - March 10th, 2024
- Here's Why We're A Bit Worried About Unity Biotechnology's (NASDAQ:UBX) Cash Burn Situation - Simply Wall St - March 10th, 2024
- The Top 25 Biotechnology Companies of 2024 - The Healthcare Technology Report. - March 10th, 2024
- Near-cognate tRNAs increase the efficiency and precision of pseudouridine-mediated readthrough of premature ... - Nature.com - March 10th, 2024
- MAIA Biotechnology and Nationwide Children's Hospital Announce Presentation of THIO's Potency in Pediatric Brain ... - Business Wire - March 10th, 2024
- Global Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Distribution Deals Analysis Report and Directory 2024: Breakdown of ... - PR Newswire - March 10th, 2024
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Co-promotion and Co-marketing Partnering Trends Report 2024: Analysis of ... - PR Newswire - March 10th, 2024
- INTERNATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY TRUST has a healthy attitude towards paying investors - This is Money - March 10th, 2024
- Where Does Capricor Therapeutics Inc (CAPR) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Risen 24.73% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - March 10th, 2024
- Biotechnology should be high on the agenda at the Munich Security Conference - The Hill - February 18th, 2024
- Boston is best in the world at biotech. Beijing wants to do it better - WBUR News - February 18th, 2024
- Multiomics Are The Next Step In Biotechnology - Securities.io - February 18th, 2024
- SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Is Nurix Therapeutics Inc (NRIX) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Addressing the Threat to U.S. Biotechnology: Concerns Over Genetic Data Security - Medriva - February 18th, 2024
- Where Does SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc (SWTX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Gained 12.41% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) Be in Your Portfolio Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Where Does Candel Therapeutics Inc (CADL) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Gained 22.38% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Tempest Therapeutics Inc (TPST) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Immunome Inc (IMNM) a Good Buy in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Larimar Therapeutics Inc (LRMR) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- US lawmakers, visiting Cambridge, warn of a rising Chinese threat to US biotech - The Boston Globe - February 18th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Viking Therapeutics Inc (VKTX) Be in Your Portfolio Monday? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- How the push to limit Chinese biotech could threaten U.S. edge - Axios - February 18th, 2024
- What is Biotechnology? Types and Applications - Iberdrola - January 25th, 2024
- BioAro Inc to Host Inaugural Longevity Innovation Forum in Dubai, UAE - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Is Akebia Therapeutics Inc (AKBA) a Bad Choice in Biotechnology Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Agricultural Biotechnology Market Projected to Reach USD 64.7 billion, with Advancing CAGR of 9.5% by 2031 ... - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Where Does Immunitybio Inc (IBRX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Is Lower By -9.32% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Lyra Therapeutics Inc (LYRA) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- ZWI Therapeutics Announces Closing of $10M Series A Financing - FinSMEs - January 25th, 2024
- Breaking Barriers: Tiamat Sciences Shatters Norms with All-Female Executive Team - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Can Sana Biotechnology Inc (SANA) Stock Rise to the Top of Healthcare Sector Monday? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Cabaletta Bio Inc (CABA) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Should You Buy Sana Biotechnology Inc (SANA) Stock After it Has Fallen 15.41% in a Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Why Investors and Media are Calling Biotech Showcase The Place to Be to Start the Year - Business Wire - January 25th, 2024
- Is IGC Pharma Inc (IGC) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Summit Therapeutics Inc (SMMT) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Biotech Stocks: The Top 5 To Watch As Shares Trend Down - Investor's Business Daily - January 25th, 2024
- Where Does Tscan Therapeutics Inc (TCRX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Is Lower By -9.81% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- HRMY: Are These 3 Biotech Stocks Worth Buying? - StockNews.com - January 25th, 2024
- Global Preparative Chromatography Market is projected to reach US$ 2,139.4 Million by 2034 Amid Growing ... - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Is Immunome Inc (IMNM) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Mink Therapeutics Inc (INKT) Be in Your Portfolio Monday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Where Does Ambrx Biopharma Inc - ADR (AMAM) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Risen 22.18% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Should Biotechnology Stock Dermata Therapeutics Inc (DRMA) Be in Your Portfolio Thursday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Should Biotechnology Stock Tempest Therapeutics Inc (TPST) Be in Your Portfolio Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Biotechnology - Applications of biotechnology | Britannica - May 1st, 2023