RUSNANO and Solix Algredients Launched R&D Center for Microalgae Growth at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas

    At the site of the Russian State University of Oil and Gas named after Gubkin installed a Lumian AGS260 photobioreactor - the device allows you to control the basic parameters of microalgae cultivation, including temperature, acidity, mixing intensity and carbon dioxide supply.

    A new R & D center at the university’s site was opened by the Rusnano Foundation together with the American company Solix Algredients with the aim of transferring biotechnologies for growing microalgae on an industrial scale and isolating antioxidants, pigments and antibiotics from them.

    The final product is used in cosmetics, baby food and nutritional supplements.

    In the comments, ask Denis Kuzmin, CEO of Solix BioSystems East: we will contact him and prepare answers.

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    Technology transfer


    Solix BioSystems Vostok, the Russian division of Solix Algridients, studies and analyzes microalgae strains from Russian collections to create a pilot industrial production of food additives, feeds, antibiotics, antioxidants. Denis Kuzmin, the general director of the division, said that global sales of some microalgae products are estimated at billions of dollars. According to Kuzmin, Russia has collected a unique collection of microalgae from several thousand species that have not been studied. In the laboratory, mainly diatoms and golden microalgae are studied.

    The center will be engaged in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids and medical cosmetics - this market in Russia is estimated at one billion dollars. Next on the list of promising products is eicosapentaenoic acid to strengthen immunity and one of the most powerful antioxidants astaxanthin.

    In an interview, Denis Kuzmin said that the unit, together with leading research institutes and one of the leading cosmetology companies, is developing a cream based on nanoparticles that carry astaxanthin. This tool can have a more noticeable effect on skin cells.

    How are strains examined?


    Microalgae cell sizes range from two micrometers to several hundred micrometers. It is the fastest growing biomass on the planet with hundreds of thousands of species. These microorganisms are natural biofactories of biologically active substances - fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins and amino acids.

    The first stage of the study is the selection of an object. The strain is taken from the collection of specialized research institutes or obtained on its own - for this purpose, expeditions to Buryatia and the Far East are organized.

    The second stage is the cultivation of biomass sufficient for biochemical analysis of the composition of cells. Here, researchers understand how fast this strain grows.

    The third stage is the selection of a suitable strain for cultivation in photobioreactors and the study of its prospects for the isolation of substances with high added value.

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    Photobioreactor


    A key element in the process chain is the Lumian AGS260 photobioreactor. The internal space of the device is divided into four sections, which allows you to study four cultures at the same time. For each section, the ionic composition, temperature and other parameters are set individually. Glass transparent panels allow you to illuminate the entire thickness of the biomass.

    To work the center of the company formed an international team of researchers. The center interacts with the Institute of Biology of Inland Waters of the RAS, the Institute of Plant Physiology of the RAS, Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov Moscow Science Center "Dubna" and others.

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    The research division of Solix BioSystems East is a 100% subsidiary of the American biotechnology company Solix Algredients, which is a portfolio company of the I2BF-RNC Resources Fund, whose investor is Rusnano. Solix Algredients will invest five million dollars in the Russian R&D center.

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