Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Scientists have highlighted the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor, a protein-rich extract derived from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’, as an ideal ingredient for a wide range of food and feed applications.
Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) and Chlorella sorokiniana
Chlorella Growth Factor
- Nutritional Benefits: CGF is rich in high quality amino acids and proteins, making it a promising alternative source for both human and animal feed.
- It contains more essential amino acids and nutrients such as peptides, nucleotides, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals than commercial soy meal.
- Production Method: Extraction of CGF involves a non-chemical autolysis process, which preserves the integrity of amino acids and other valuable components.
- Applications: Adding CGF to poultry feed improves egg quality and has shown promise as a great protein supplement for livestock.
- Sustainability: Microalgae such as Chlorella sorokiniana are considered “under-exploited crops” that do not compete with conventional food crops for space and resources and offer a sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for high-quality protein sources.
Chlorella sorokiniana
- Chlorella sorokiniana, an oval-shaped single-celled alga, is a unique algae in the microcosm and has the unique ability to grow actively.
- Each cell is a self-sufficient organism containing all the nutrients needed for life, making it complete and self-sufficient.
- Chlorella sorokiniana can reproduce rapidly, growing from one cell to 24 cells in just 24 hours when exposed to sufficient sunlight and nutrients.
Microalgae
- Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that can be found in a variety of natural environments such as water, rocks and soil. They present higher photosynthetic efficiency than terrestrial plants and are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s oxygen production.
- They thrive in a variety of aquatic environments, including both freshwater and marine habitats. Examples are Chlorella, Diatoms, etc.
- Marine microalgae play an important role in the ocean food chain and carbon dioxide absorption.
- However, as climate change continues, global warming increases surface seawater, resulting in reduced nutrient availability due to reduced mixing between surface water and nutrient-rich deep water.
Macroalgae
- Macroalgae, popularly known as seaweeds, are multicellular and macroscopic autotrophs, classified into three different groups based on the colour of the thallus, namely Chlorophyta (green algae), Rhodophyta (red algae) and Phaeophyta (brown algae).
- Seaweeds are primitive, non-flowering seaweeds with no roots, stems and leaves, which play a key role in the marine ecosystem.
- Seaweeds form underwater forests, called kelp forests. These forests serve as nurseries for fish, snails, etc.
- Some species of seaweed include Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, Gracilaria crassa and Gracilaria verrucosa.