Our biotech innovation aims to reduce the high costs and inefficiencies in producing astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. The traditional process involves a lengthy cultivation phase and a costly, multi-step extraction method, making it difficult to scale and less affordable for industries like nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
We propose a two-part solution:
Optimizing cultivation with mixotrophy: By introducing sugar and CO₂ during the red phase, we reduce the time for astaxanthin accumulation, speeding up production and increasing output.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES): This simplifies extraction, reduces energy use, and enhances sustainability.
In the BB programme, we will optimize cultivation, test and scale MAE with NaDES, conduct pilot-scale experiments at AlgaePARC 2.0, and perform techno-economic and environmental assessments to ensure the process is cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable.
