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8 frequently asked questions about microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis

8 frequently asked questions about microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis

Q: What Is Haematococcus Pluvialis ?

Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) is a green, unicellular fresh water microalga with global distribution in various watery habitats. The algae is a promising source of bioactive substances, such as carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids and is currently recognized as the richest and most promising source for the commercial production of natural astaxanthin, the most powerful antioxidant in nature. `Haematococcus pluvialis produces astaxanthin to protect itself from stressful environmental conditions. Astaxanthin has important applications in the nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture industries.

Q: What is the Biochemical composition of Haematococcus Pluvialis?

Haematococcus pluvialis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and can be found in fresh and saltwater environments. The algae grow best in warm, sunny conditions and does not require any special care or feeding. Once it has been harvested, Haematococcus pluvialis can be dried, extracted and powdered for use in supplements, or added to other products such as cosmetics and food. Because it is all natural and sustainable, Haematococcus pluvialis is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a healthy, sustainable alternative.

Q: What causes the algae to produce astaxanthin?

Having survived for billions of years, Haematococcus pluvialis is arguably one of the most resilient organisms in nature and the best source of astaxanthin. Haematococcus Pluvialis produces astaxanthin to protect itself from harsh environmental conditions. During the summer, when conditions become stressful and ponds begin to dry up, astaxanthin enables the microalga to preserve its DNA undamaged, ready to grow again when the next rain comes, even if that takes years.

Q: What is the cultivation process of the algae?

Commercial production of Haematococcus pluvialis must mimic the natural growth cycle of microalgae to allow for creation of a completely pure product. The cultivation process of Haematococcus Pluvialis mainly consists of two stages to obtain high biomass and astaxanthin yield. During the first stage, or green stage, cells continuously divide and proliferate to gain biomass. Therefore, full nutrient medium and moderate light intensity, temperature and pH are required. The second stage refers to a reddening, when the algae produce the astaxanthin. To enter this phase, unfavorable environmental conditions must occur, such as nitrogen reduction, high light intensity, salinity, pH changes, or extreme temperatures.

Q: What are the production methods to grow microalgae?

Haematococcus pluvialis can be cultivated in numerous ways, such as photobioreactor (PBR), open ponds, or plastic bags. The main factors in selecting a cultivation method are: capital and operational costs, cultivation area, climatic conditions (light, temperature, rain), the possibility of contamination, water availability, level of automation and system efficiency. Although Haematococcus pluvialis can be found all over the world, commercial production must mimic the natural growth cycle of microalgae to produce a product that is completely pure. Harvesting astaxanthin from microalgae on a commercial scale is a highly technical and skilled process. Indoor cultivation uses artificial lightning, which inflicts an environmental burden, especially if fossil fuels are used to produce electricity. Additionally, optimized environmental parameters, such as clean air and strong sun radiation, allow for achieving high biomass growth and, consequently, astaxanthin accumulation.

Q: What is Haematococcus Pluvialis extract good for?

There is a high concentration of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis powder. Aside from its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin also has anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. The body can access astaxanthin through many organs and tissues, including muscles, the skin, the lungs, and the heart. In addition, it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, resulting in a variety of health benefits. Consequently, Haematococcus pluvialis extract has become an important natural source of astaxanthin. The final product is a dark red oil or powder that can be used in capsules, tablets, and gummies, as well as added to other foods and beverages.

27.07.2022

Get answers to the top 8 questions about Haematococcus pluvialis.

1. What Is Haematococcus Pluvialis ?

Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) is a green, unicellular fresh water microalga with global distribution in various watery habitats. The algae is a promising source of bioactive substances, such as carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids and is currently recognized as the richest and most promising source for the commercial production of natural astaxanthin, the most powerful antioxidant in nature. Haematococcus pluvialis produces astaxanthin to protect itself from stressful environmental conditions. Astaxanthin has important applications in the nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture industries.

2. What is the Biochemical composition of Haematococcus Pluvialis?

Haematococcus pluvialis is a rich source of astaxanthin, and also contains polysaccharides, vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, fatty acids and proteins.

3. How is Haematococcus Pluvialis cultivated?

Haematococcus pluvialis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and can be found in fresh and saltwater environments. The algae grow best in warm, sunny conditions and does not require any special care or feeding. Once it has been harvested, Haematococcus pluvialis can be dried, extracted and powdered for use in supplements, or added to other products such as cosmetics and food. Because it is all natural and sustainable, Haematococcus pluvialis is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a healthy, sustainable alternative.

4. What causes the algae to produce astaxanthin?

Having survived for billions of years, Haematococcus pluvialis is arguably one of the most resilient organisms in nature and the best source of astaxanthin. Haematococcus Pluvialis produces astaxanthin to protect itself from harsh environmental conditions. During the summer, when conditions become stressful and ponds begin to dry up, astaxanthin enables the microalga to preserve its DNA undamaged, ready to grow again when the next rain comes, even if that takes years.

5. What is the cultivation process of the algae?

Commercial production of Haematococcus pluvialis must mimic the natural growth cycle of microalgae to allow for creation of a completely pure product. The cultivation process of Haematococcus Pluvialis mainly consists of two stages to obtain high biomass and astaxanthin yield. During the first stage, or green stage, cells continuously divide and proliferate to gain biomass. Therefore, full nutrient medium and moderate light intensity, temperature and pH are required. The second stage refers to a reddening, when the algae produce the astaxanthin. To enter this phase, unfavorable environmental conditions must occur, such as nitrogen reduction, high light intensity, salinity, pH changes, or extreme temperatures.

6. What are the production methods to grow microalgae?

Haematococcus pluvialis can be cultivated in numerous ways, such as photobioreactor (PBR), open ponds, or plastic bags. The main factors in selecting a cultivation method are: capital and operational costs, cultivation area, climatic conditions (light, temperature, rain), the possibility of contamination, water availability, level of automation and system efficiency. Although Haematococcus pluvialis can be found all over the world, commercial production must mimic the natural growth cycle of microalgae to produce a product that is completely pure. Harvesting astaxanthin from microalgae on a commercial scale is a highly technical and skilled process. Indoor cultivation uses artificial lightning, which inflicts an environmental burden, especially if fossil fuels are used to produce electricity. Additionally, optimized environmental parameters, such as clean air and strong sun radiation, allow for achieving high biomass growth and, consequently, astaxanthin accumulation.

7. What affects the quality of the Haematococcus Pluvialis extract?

There are several characteristics of algae, including their ability to grow under varying conditions and the ability to absorb contaminants from the medium where they grow. Thus, microalgae are determined by the quality of the water, nutrients, and equipment used for their cultivation and processing.

Haematococcus pluvialis can be cultivated in numerous ways, including open ponds, plastic bags, and photobioreactors (PBRs). Microalgae cultivation should be fully controlled, using only food-grade ingredients and equipment, and conducted in a way that prevents both biological and chemical contamination.

8. What is Haematococcus Pluvialis extract good for?

There is a high concentration of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis powder. Aside from its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin also has anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. The body can access astaxanthin through many organs and tissues, including muscles, the skin, the lungs, and the heart. In addition, it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, resulting in a variety of health benefits.

Consequently, Haematococcus pluvialis extract has become an important natural source of astaxanthin. The final product is a dark red oil or powder that can be used in capsules, tablets, and gummies, as well as added to other foods and beverages.

AstaPure® Natural astaxanthin by Solabia – Algatech Nutrition

With more than 20 years of experience cultivating a wide variety of microalgae species, Solabia – Algatech Nutrition is located at Kibbutz Ketura in Israel’s Arava desert. As one of the few companies in the world producing commercial-scale, high-quality microalgae products, we are one of the leading companies in the field.

The quality of AstaPure® is consistent, it is high in purity, it is free of contaminants, and it is produced sustainably.

As part of our sustainable manufacturing process, Algatech uses solar power and a comprehensive water recycling system. As a result of microalgae cultivation, no crops are displaced, carbon dioxide is utilized, and only oxygen is produced as a waste product. It is a genuine ecological crop.

The AstaPure® natural astaxanthin is manufactured in an environmentally friendly facility in the Arava desert, which benefits from year-round sunshine, providing Haematococcus pluvialis with ideal growing conditions without the need for artificial light.

There are several delivery forms available for AstaPure®, including oil, powder, beadlets, gummies, softgels, and organic forms.

It is produced in a GMP, ISO-9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 certified facility. AstaPure® is vegan and a verified Non-GMO project, certified as USDA Organic, as well as kosher and halal certified.

In order to achieve world-leading status, Solabia- Algatech has developed cultivation protocols, innovative down processes, and extraction methods. Our science and R&D teams are continually working on the development of new delivery forms and formulations. While our company grows, we maintain the same level of integrity and honesty we apply to making our products, using cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies and sophisticated scientific methods.