SCHOTT and Algatechnologies Partner on New Method to Boost Algae Production Efficiency

22 Sep 2014 --- SCHOTT AG and Algatechnologies Ltd. (Algatech), have signed an R&D agreement to strengthen their partnership following a successful one-year study at Algatech’s algae production facility.

SCHOTT‘s thin-walled DURAN glass tubes achieved a 10-percent boost in algae cultivation efficiency, improving yields of Algatech’s signature natural astaxanthin product, AstaPure. Dr. Nikolaos Katsikis of SCHOTT and Raz Rashelbach of Algatech will present the study results at the Algae Biomass Summit in San Diego, USA, September 29 to October 2.

A spokesman for the company told FoodIngredientsFirst that the tubes have been tested in Algatech's pilot facilities and based on the success from this trial, the company plans to implement the system into new parts of the production plant.

“The partnership with SCHOTT is an additional step toward achieving our objectives of optimizing production efficiency, and widens our capabilities in the development of new microalgae-based products.” noted Hagai Stadler, CEO of Algatech. “We strive to develop innovative algae solutions through partnerships with expert companies such as SCHOTT, one of the world leading glass manufacturers, which have longstanding experience in glass and containers for pharmaceutical industry. This case study was an additional step in developing the highest purity AstaPure astaxanthin plus other innovative algae based ingredients.”

“The success of thin-walled DURAN tubing helped increase algae production efficiency on a small scale, and now will be replicated on a larger scale,” explained Raz Rashelbach, R&D manager at Algatech.” This is to support our strategy to double astaxanthin production capacity. The increase in sun exposure through the use of DURAN tubing helps produce the purest AstaPure astaxanthin available in the market today.”

The spokesman told FoodIngredientsFirst that Algatech already offers the highest purity of product in the market with AstaPure, but he explained that "the new system will allow guaranteeing this high content of astaxanthin and a more efficient production. i.e improve the yield per bioreactor". 

“Further testing and development of new products in partnership with Algatech will allow us to continue finding new ways and methods to improve algae production,” added Dr. Nikolaos Katsikis, Director of Business Development at SCHOTT Tubing.

SCHOTT and Algatech’s R&D agreement will expand their joint cooperation to optimize Algatech’s production and optimize tubing design for the algae production industry on the whole. A dedicated section of Algatech’s factory in the Arava Desert will serve as a beta site for advanced glass components developed by SCHOTT for implementation in PBRs (Photo Bioreactors).

Algatech is a global biotechnology company specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae, and is a world leader in the production and supply of AstaPure natural astaxanthin, which is manufactured in completely closed cultivation systems, fully controlled and utilizing natural sunlight. Algatech is a member of NAXA—the Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association.

SCHOTT is an international technology group with 130 years of experience in the areas of specialty glass and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, pharmaceutical, electronics, optics and transportation industries. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in 35 countries. Its workforce of 15,400 employees generated worldwide sales of US$ 2.5 billion for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.

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