Microalgae: Next-gen therapies in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is in a transformative phase. Demand for natural, effective medicines continues to rise. At the centre of this change are microalgae, including cyanobacteria, which are proving to be potent resources for therapeutic agents that have the potential to reshape the medical frontier.

Harnessing rich nutrients with cutting-edge technology

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that possess a remarkable range of biologically active compounds. Due to their rich nutrient profile and myriad therapeutic properties, they are becoming an important part of the pharmaceutical repertoire. However, the exploitation of these compounds requires state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficiency, highest quality and sustainability.

Optimisation of microalgae growth

The Flat-Panel-Airlift-Photobioreactor (FPA) from Subitec significantly changes the process of microalgae cultivation. With its optimal light distribution and unmatched CO2 diffusion capabilities, this technology promotes optimal microalgal growth, resulting in the constant production of highly potent microalgal biomass.

Microalgae: Next-gen therapies in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is in a transformative phase. Demand for natural, effective medicines continues to rise. At the centre of this change are microalgae, including cyanobacteria, which are proving to be potent resources for therapeutic agents that have the potential to reshape the medical frontier.

Harnessing rich nutrients with cutting-edge technology

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that possess a remarkable range of biologically active compounds. Due to their rich nutrient profile and myriad therapeutic properties, they are becoming an important part of the pharmaceutical repertoire. However, the exploitation of these compounds requires state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficiency, highest quality and sustainability.

Optimisation of microalgae growth

The Flat-Panel-Airlift-Photobioreactor (FPA) from Subitec significantly changes the process of microalgae cultivation. With its optimal light distribution and unmatched CO2 diffusion capabilities, this technology promotes optimal microalgal growth, resulting in the constant production of highly potent microalgal biomass.

Ensure quality and scalability

A key component of the pharmaceutical industry is the unconditional guarantee of quality, consistency, purity and safety. The use of advanced cultivation systems enables a controlled growth environment that promotes uniform microalgal proliferation and consistent production of bioactive compounds. Such a level of strict control increases the reliability and efficacy of the final products and builds patient confidence.

The pharmaceutical landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, requiring not only rapid product development but also scalable production processes. The transition from successful laboratory-scale cultivation to large-scale production should be seamless. Subitec’s FPA technology meets this challenge and ensures scalability and smooth, uninterrupted production at all levels right from the start.

Microalgae drive sustainable and vegan pharma innovations

The pharmaceutical industry is harnessing the environmental benefits of microalgae, a renewable resource that absorbs CO2. Microalgae cultivation technology is enabling the industry to innovate in ways that directly address patient needs. These advances not only underscore the industry’s commitment to health, but also support the shift towards vegan medicines. Microalgae such as spirulina, a rich source of nutrients, are paving the way for sustainable and vegan drug development.

Microalgae: Path to a sustainable pharmaceutical future

Microalgae are not only ecologically sustainable, but also hold remarkable therapeutic potential. From dinoflagellates to cyanobacteria, these algae offer an impressive range of bioactive compounds that promise far-reaching applications in health promotion and disease prevention. The FPA technology from Subitec allows the specific growth conditions of these algae species to be precisely controlled, paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions in the pharmaceutical industry.

This genus of dinoflagellates produces saxitoxin, a neurotoxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning. Despite its toxicity, saxitoxin has been studied for its potential as a local anaesthetic and as a therapeutic for certain types of pain.

Known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, Anabaena also produces a variety of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Anabaena thrives in freshwater environments.

AFA is rich in phycocyanin and phenylethylamine (PEA), which are known for their anti-inflammatory and mood-lifting effects. AFA prefers freshwater habitats.

This cyanobacterium produces aponin, a powerful antimicrobial compound. It can grow in a variety of water conditions, from fresh to salt water.

Dinophysis is a genus of marine dinoflagellates that produce okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases. This compound has been used as a tool in molecular biology and has potential therapeutic applications in cancer research.

This halophilic microalgae is a rich source of β-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. It shows promise in supporting eye health and boosting the immune system. It thrives in conditions with high salinity.

It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This microalgae has potential for cardiovascular health and inflammatory diseases. Nannochloropsis requires saline or brackish water for cultivation.

This diatom is rich in EPA and fucoxanthin, a unique antioxidant associated with metabolic health and obesity prevention. It prefers salty or brackish water for cultivation.

Scenedesmus species are known for their high protein content and various bioactive compounds, including lutein, which is useful for eye health and prevention of age-related macular degeneration. They thrive in freshwater environments.

Spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals. It is particularly known for its high content of phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant. Spirulina’s therapeutic potential includes immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects and lowering cholesterol levels. It prefers alkaline conditions for optimal growth.
Scale up potential - Microalgae Production
Improved mixing - Microalgae Production
Reduced shear stress - Microalgae Production
Closed system - Microalgae Production
Precise control - Microalgae Production
Higher CO2 utilization - Microalgae Production
Small space requirement - Microalgae Production
Water saving - Microalgae Production
Large photosynthetic surface - Microalgae Production

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Pre-Scale & Lab-Scale

We offer a range of lab-scale and pre-scale microalgal production systems designed to meet a variety of requirements. Each system has unique specifications that make it ideal for a particular set of applications.

Substances & Applications

Discover microalgae that hold immense potential for commercial use. This introduction provides an in-depth look at 30 widely distributed and commercially valuable microalgal species, including cyanobacteria.

Flat-Panel-Airlift (FPA)

The Flat-Panel-Airlift-Photobioreactors (FPA) from Subitec for microalgae cultivation combine state-of-the-art technology with profound biological knowledge. The FPAs developed by the Fraunhofer Institute offer an optimised growth environment.