CSIR-IICT scientists identify microalgae as potential protein supplement

Scientists from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have highlighted the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract derived from the microalgae 'Chlorella sorokiniana', as an ideal ingredient for a wide range of food and feed applications. .

Microalgae are “underutilized crops” and do not compete with traditional food crops for space and resources. The latest study by renowned scientists S. Venkata Mohan and M. Hemalatha has shown that CGF, with its rich amino acid content and superior protein quality, presents a promising alternative protein source that can significantly contribute to human and animal food.

Scientists at the institute's Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Laboratory said its beneficial properties extend beyond basic nutrition, promoting overall health, immunity and well-being. Therefore, CGF could become a valuable supplement to improve dietary intake and support sustainable food and food production systems.

This unique substance is said to be found exclusively in the cell nucleus of “chlorella”, is produced during photosynthesis and is loaded with a variety of beneficial components, including peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins and minerals.

The researchers first isolated “Chlorella sorokiniana” in the laboratory and grew it using a specially formulated nutrient mixture to improve its biomass and protein content. Extraction of CGF from harvested biomass uses a non-chemical autolysis process to preserve the integrity of amino acids and other valuable components.

CGF is particularly rich in essential amino acids, vital for the health of humans and vertebrates but which cannot be synthesized by their bodies. The amino acid profile of CGF exceeds even that of commercially available soy flour, as evidenced by measures such as Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI) and biological value (BV), they explained.

Inclusion of CGF in poultry diets has previously been shown to improve egg quality, indicating its potential as a superior protein supplement in animal nutrition. The study highlighted the importance of microalgae cultivation methods to maximize the yield and quality of protein-rich extracts, thereby providing a sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for high-quality protein sources, the study added. scientists.

The results of the study “Amino acid-rich biomass cultivation: influence of trophic mode on the production of chlorella growth factor (CGF)” were published in the latest issue of the journal Algal Research.