Fidel Delgado, CEO of Neoalgae, has published a study in the prestigious scientific journal Frontiers titled “Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a stable platform for pilot-scale production and investigation of the viability of spirulina fucoxanthin as a novel commercial lipolysis active compound.” The study is part of the IMPRESS project, which seeks to boost the industry, based on solid scientific foundations and focused on the European Union’s Bioeconomy and Blue Growth strategies, striving to promote sustainable, waste-free production and consumption. This research disseminates the findings on Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a stable platform for pilot-scale production, as well as an investigation into the viability of spirulina fucoxanthin as a novel commercial lipolysis active compound.
For this research, Delgado collaborated with GAREM members such as María Álvarez Gil and Víctor Casado.
Article available at https://lnkd.in/dqq9S5an
Growth of the nutraceutical market
This research focuses on the nutraceutical market and its significant growth in recent years, driven by a shift in consumer preferences toward products of natural and organic origin. One of the main areas of interest in this field is microalgae-derived carotenoids, whose antioxidant activity protects against oxidative damage in human cells. The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been widely studied due to its high content of fucoxanthin (an antioxidant carotenoid). However, pilot and industrial-scale experiments to achieve continuous and stable production of P. tricornutum and extracted fucoxanthin are limited. For this reason, this research focuses on studying fucoxanthin production, including cultivation, harvesting, scale-up, and encapsulation.
Neoalgae, more than 10 years of innovation from Asturias
Neoalgae is a research center located in Gijón that currently has three business divisions: AgroTech, FoodTech, and cosmetics, all of which focus on microalgae as the foundation of their development. The brands best known to the general public are Alskin Cosmetics, high-end marine cosmetics for mature skin, and Dersia, vegan cosmetics for youthful skin.
It has positioned itself as a biotechnology benchmark in the cultivation and development of microalgae with a strong environmental commitment. It is a pioneer in the development of microalgae applications and cultivation, adding to the market launch of innovative products through its various brands and business lines. Its operational headquarters are located in a modern, energy-self-sufficient plant in Gijón, comprised of greenhouses for the cultivation of different species of microalgae, specialized laboratories, a natural cosmetics manufacturing plant, and a recently opened office building that has increased the plant’s technical capacity. It also has 9 patents, 12 awards, 18 certifications, and nearly 40 R&D projects, and is certified by the FSSC 22000 standard, which guarantees the quality of its products.
