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Microalgae: Protein Source for Food and Feed Applications
Context:
Scientists from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have highlighted the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) from microalgae.
More on News:
- This extract obtained from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana‘ is a protein-rich substance suitable for various food and feed applications.
- Studies indicate that CGF, with its high amino acid content and high protein quality, is a promising alternative protein source that can significantly enhance human and animal diets.
Key Highlights
- Sustainability: Microalgae cultivation doesn’t compete with traditional food crops for space and resources.
- Cultivation and Extraction: ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’ isolated and cultivated using a specially formulated nutrient mix to enhance biomass and protein content.
- Non-chemical autolysis process used for extracting CGF to preserve amino acids and other components.
- Health Benefits: Beyond basic nutrition, CGF promotes overall health, immunity, and well-being.
- Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF): Found exclusively in the cell nucleus of chlorella, CGF is produced during photosynthesis.
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- Beneficial Components: CGF contains peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Rich in essential amino acids vital for human and vertebrate health.
- Amino Acid Profile: CGF surpasses commercially available soy meal in terms of Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI), and Biological Value (BV).
- Beneficial Components: CGF contains peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Applications and Impact
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- Human Diets: CGF could significantly contribute to human diets as a valuable protein supplement.
- Animal Nutrition: The inclusion of CGF in poultry diets enhances egg quality, demonstrating its potential as a superior protein source.
- Global Demand: Microalgae cultivation methods can meet the growing global demand for high-quality protein sources.
Chlorella sorokiniana : It is a single-celled, freshwater green microalga belonging to the division Chlorophyta.
- Physical Characteristics: Bright emerald green colour and pleasant grassy odour.
- Growth and Reproduction: Fast-growing with a short doubling time.
- Nutrient Profile: Rich source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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- High protein content: 50-60% of its dry weight.
- Complete protein source with all nine essential amino acids.
- Potential as a food source for humans and animals.
- Biofuel Production: Accumulates substantial amounts of oil, which could serve as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
- Wastewater Treatment: Can treat wastewater by removing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
