Algae Biotechnology

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that range from single-celled microalgae to large multicellular seaweeds. They play a crucial role in various ecosystems and have significant importance in fields such as ecology, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Algae are Eukaryotic organisms Eg: Green Alage (Chlorella sp.)
But some are Prokaryotic organisms. Eg: Cyanobacteria (Spirulina sp.)
Most of them are photoautotrophs.
Converts solar energy to chemical energy for making their own food.
Releases Oxygen as a byproduct.
But some are heterotrophs. colourless alga Prototheca zopfii, which does not have the ability to photosynthesize, is unable to grow in the absence of organic materials (Barker, 1935).

Additionally, algae have extensive applications in various industries. They are utilized in biotechnology for the production of food supplements, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and various bioproducts. Their adaptability, rapid growth, and diverse biochemical composition make them a subject of interest for scientific research and innovations in multiple fields, including medicine, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Understanding the characteristics and potential of algae is crucial for leveraging their benefits and addressing environmental challenges in a sustainable manner. Their significance in both natural ecosystems and human endeavors makes the study of algae an essential aspect of biological and environmental sciences.

1. ALGAE BIOTECHNOLOGY DINITHI VIHANGA DE SILVA

2. CONTENT Introduction Classification Why Algae? Commercial uses of Algae What is Biofuel? Algae as a food source Algal Cosmetics Algal polymers Alage derived pigments

3. INTRODUCTION Algae are Eukaryotic organisms Eg : Green Alage ( Chlorella sp .) But some are P rokaryotic organisms. Eg : Cyanobacteria ( Spirulina sp.) Most of them are photoautotrophs. Converts solar energy to chemical energy for making their own food. Releases Oxygen as a byproduct. But some are heterotrophs . colourless alga Prototheca zopfii , which does not have the ability to photosynthesize, is unable to grow in the absence of organic materials (Barker, 1935).

4. CLASSIFICATION Fig 01 – Algal classification ( Enamala et al., 2018)

5. Algae are new photosynthetic bio- manufacturing platform. Water Nutrients Carbon dioxide Sunlight CONVERSION PLATFORM INPUTS Outputs

6. Why Algae ? As a primary food source Photosynthetic organisms Production at world scale Algae manufacturing can produce wide range of products Biodegradable Reproducible Fast growers Low cost materials

7. Commercial uses of Algae

8. What is Bio Fuel? Fig 02 – Diagram of Biofuel production https:// ib.bioninja.com.au/options/untitled/b1-microbiology-organisms/biofuels.html

9. Algae as a Food Source… Previous studies have shown that different types of algae have potential medicinal benefits. For example, one study  found that red marine algae could help treat  fatty liver disease . https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-food-forward-are-algae-the-future-of-sustainable-nutrition#What-makes-algae-nutritious ? Fig 03 – Spirulina as a (a)Dietary supplement and (b) Spirulina cookies

10. Spirulina for skin….. Algal Cosmetics Fig 04 – Algae for skincare

11. Algal polymers…. Fig 05 - new methods of manufacturing products based on algae. https:// today.ucsd.edu/story/uc_san_diego_awarded_2_million_to_advance_algae_based_renewable_polymers A team of University of California San Diego biologists and chemists has been granted $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop new methods for manufacturing products based on algae.

12. Algae derived pigments Fig 06- Microalgae-Derived Pigments for the Food Industry Sun, H., Wang, Y., He, Y., Liu, B., Mou , H., Chen, F. and Yang, S., 2023. Microalgae-derived pigments for the food industry.  Marine Drugs ,  21 (2), p.82.

13. Enamala , M.K., Enamala , S., Chavali , M., Donepudi , J., Yadavalli , R., Kolapalli , B., Aradhyula , T.V., Velpuri , J. and Kuppam , C., 2018. Production of biofuels from microalgae-A review on cultivation, harvesting, lipid extraction, and numerous applications of microalgae.  Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews ,  94 , pp.49-68. Zajic , J.E. and Chiu, Y.S., 1970. Heterotrophic culture of algae. In  Properties and Products of Algae: Proceedings of the Symposium on the Culture of Algae sponsored by the Division of Microbial Chemistry and Technology of the American Chemical Society, held in New York City, September 7–12, 1969  (pp. 1-47). Boston, MA: Springer US . https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-food-forward-are-algae-the-future-of-sustainable-nutrition#What-makes-algae-nutritious ? https:// today.ucsd.edu/story/uc_san_diego_awarded_2_million_to_advance_algae_based_renewable_polymers Chia, W.Y., Tang, D.Y.Y., Khoo , K.S., Lup , A.N.K. and Chew, K.W., 2020. Nature’s fight against plastic pollution: Algae for plastic biodegradation and bioplastics production.  Environmental Science and Ecotechnology ,  4 , p.100065 . Sun, H., Wang, Y., He, Y., Liu, B., Mou , H., Chen, F. and Yang, S., 2023. Microalgae-derived pigments for the food industry.  Marine Drugs ,  21 (2), p.82. REFERENCES

14. THANK YOU….