Algae - organic allrounders
Natural production of vital nutrients from algae.
Algae
Algae are plant-like organisms that normally live in water. There are highly visible, multicellular macroalgae such as seaweed and microalgae with one to few cells, such as phytoplankton. Microalgae are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye.
SWISSALG focuses on the cultivation of microalgae.
Foundation of life
Microalgae are among the oldest life forms on earth. They use sunlight and carbon from the atmosphere to do photosynthesis. How to build from CO2 Biomass and valuable ingredients and thereby release oxygen. This process makes microalgae the main source of the oxygen we breathe.
In water, microalgae form the basis of the food chain of all other organisms.
Enormous potential
Compared to land plants, microalgae can use their entire cells for metabolism. This leads to 5 to 10 times faster growth compared to conventional crops.
Since microalgae do not form roots, stems or leaves, all of the energy absorbed from sunlight can be used to produce valuable bioactive nutrients. This makes the alga a very interesting organism for economic use.
Algae cultivation
Microalgae can be grown in special photobioreactors. Controlled cultivation can take place on infertile areas and without competition from traditional food production. By growing microalgae, valuable substances that were previously mainly available via the marine food chain can be made directly accessible to humans.
Natural resources from algae cultivation
Microalgae produce vital bioactive substances for human and animal health:
- Beta carotene
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Astaxanthin
- fucoxanthin
- Beta-glucans
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