consultancy

Consultancy on the production and extraction processes from plant biomass and microalgal strains.

Originy offers specialized consultancy on microalgal cultivation and extraction technologies that are most suitable for the final product. The Originy laboratory is equipped with all cultivation and inoculation control systems to meet our client’s specific needs.

Production processes

Microalgae are microorganisms that use CO₂, H₂O, and inorganic salts to transform radiance energy into valuable products inside the biomass. The growth is influenced by several factors such as temperature, supplied CO₂, pH, nutrient availability, and lighting conditions, which are optimized inside the PBR systems for further increase to an industrial scale.

Extraction processes

Originy is based on Green Extraction: extraction processes that minimize energy consumption and allow the use of alternative solvents (bio-solvents), ensuring a high-quality extract/product.

case history

PestNu Project

As part of the PestNu project, Originy designed and installed a closed photobioreactor algal growth plant for fish farm water treatment at the Volos site in Greece. The plant consists of 2 loops of 1,000 litres each.

The objective is to cultivate microalgae in wastewater from fish farming. These waters provide a culture medium for selected microalgae such as Scenedesmus. The microalgae grow in continuous recirculation at a controlled temperature of 24°C and a pH value between 8 and 10 under LED lights (16/8 light/dark). Once a concentration of about 2 g/litre has been reached, the microalgae is used as a biofertiliser in aquaponics systems.

Microalgae and extracts

Arthrospira Platensis

Photosynthetic, filamentous, spiral-shaped, multicellular, and blue-green microalgae. Its chemical composition consists of: proteins (55%-70%), carbohydrates (15%-25%), essential fatty acids (18%), vitamins, minerals, and pigments such as carotene, chlorophyll a, and phycocyanin. Spirulina is considered to be great toxic-free food, and it possesses antiviral and immunological properties, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Phycocyanin

We extract phycocyanin from Spirulina, its most abundant pigment, which contains a high nutritional and nutraceutical value. Phycocyanin is a protein of the phycobiliproteins and it is characterized by a bright blue color. It is a natural non-toxic water-soluble molecule with antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Haematococcus pluvialis

Freshwater unicellular microalgae, a promising source of bioactive substances like carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids. Haematococcus is known to be one of the richest sources of natural Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant.

Astaxanthin

We extract Astaxanthin from Haematococcus, a bright blood red colored secondary carotenoid. Most astaxanthin applications are associated to nutrition and human health in form of food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, and food supplements. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant ability is 38 times greater than β-carotene and 500 times stronger than vitamin E.

Nannochloropsis oculata

Seawater unicellular microalgae with a high nutritional value since it contains high protein levels, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidant pigments.

EPA & DHA

Precisely because of the high concentration of PUFA, we extract Nannochloropsis from EPA & DHA with useful properties for both the food and pharmaceutical industry. ω-3 are especially essential to the human metabolism since our body is not able to produce them on its own.

Chlorella vulgaris

Unicellular green microalgae found in both fresh and salt water. Its fast growth rate, rich in nutrients, the great biologically active substances, and the resistance to adverse growth conditions, make Chlorella one of the most cultivated microalgae species. Chlorella drew noteworthy attention thanks to the high concentration of proteins, food fibers, lipids, vitamins, chlorophyl, and Carotenoids with strong biological activities.

Lutein

We extract Lutein from Chlorella, a yellow-colored carotenoid which protects cells from photo-oxidation damage. In particular, lutein is known to have a protective effect against photoinduced damage to crystalline lens and retina in the eyes.

Porphyridium cruentum

Saltwater unicellular microalgae that can secrete high concentrations of Polysaccharides inside the growth device. The red color source of these microalgae is Phycoerythrin, which plays a primary role together with other phycobiliproteins that are present as accessory photosynthetic pigments.

Phycoerythrin & EPS

From Porphyridium cruentum we extract:

Phycoerythin, an important pigment that collects light. Widely used as a fluorescent probe and analytic reagent.
EPS, defined both as polysaccharides capable to be secreted in the surrounding environment, and as polysaccharides associated to the cell walls of these microorganisms. Some of the functions of these EPS include the protection of microalgal cells from biotic and abiotic stress.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Unicellular pennate diatom which contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and oxygenated carotenoids such as Fucoxanthin. P. tricornutum which can contain up to ten times more fucoxanthin compared to microalgae.

Fucoxanthin

We extract Phaeodactylum t. from Fucoxanthin, a substance with a high antioxidant effect, better than vitamin E and vitamin C. Additionally, this compound possesses also anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and other biological properties.