Spirulina microalgae (Wikimedia).Spirulina is a microalgae with a high amount of proteins, amino acids, essential oils, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, essential fatty acids, sterols and carbohydrates.
It is considered a healthy food complement, with several benefits (antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, etc.). As a matter of fact, spirulina has been classified as an ingredient of dietary supplements of A Class. Nevertheless, spirulina is not easily absorbed by the organism.
Obtaining extracts resulting from the pre-degradation of biomass with enzymes is a breakthrough for obtaining extracts rich in bioavailable metabolites and high biological functionality.
A CSIC research group has developed a method for extracting biocomponents of spirulina.
The aqueous extract obtained contains a higher concentration of the spirulina beneficial compounds
The aqueous extract obtained contains a higher concentration of the spirulina beneficial compounds, with therapeutic and prophylactic functionality.
An oily extract rich in lipids and phospholipids of essential omega-3 acids, sterols, trace elements, antioxidants, antibiotics, antivirals, among other metabolites is also obtained.
The extract is easily assimilated by the organism and has a high amount of amino acids. It has multiple applications and can be used in the prevention and treatment of hypertension, anemia, malnutrition, hyperlipidemia, cholesterolemia, anemia, obesity, diabetes, dietary supplement, nutraceutical or cosmetic ingredient.
Now, the scientific team is searching companies interested in patent licensing for the development and commercialization of these biocomponents.
Contact:
Eva Gabaldón Sahuquillo
Deputy Vice-Presidency for
Knowledge Transfe -CSIC
Tel.: +34 91 568 15 50
E-mail: