JEDDAH: Specialists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have identified a new application for an ancient organism: transforming chocolate industry waste into C-phycocyanin, a precious blue pigment estimated to be worth more than $275 million globally by 2030.
The study, released in “Trends in Biotechnology,” demonstrates that Galdieria yellowstonensis, a centuries-old red algae strain, can absorb sugars in chocolate-processing waste to produce protein-rich biomass including C-phycocyanin, which is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The researchers also discovered that high amounts of carbon dioxide stimulated Galdieria development, despite the fact that carbon dioxide is often a waste product of microbial sugar metabolism.
Kyle Lauersen, an associate professor at KAUST and the study’s primary author, stated, “Our research into algae metabolism is revealing new possibilities to transform waste into useful products in a sustainable manner. Chocolate production, for example, produces waste as process lines start and stop. We discovered that this garbage may provide food for Galdieria.”
The announcement stated that phycocyanin from Galdieria, including C-phycocyanin, was recently pronounced food-safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and is appropriate for beverages and other culinary applications.
Also Read:
Transforming Early Childhood Education In Saudi Arabia With Dr. Samia Kazi
Revolutionizing The Maritime Ecosystem: The Gujarathi Empire Led By Ashutosh Gujarathi
