Cellana aims to work with Galil Algae to develop high-value algae biomass for nutraceutical and other applications
The commercial venture aims to identify potential new strains of algae rich in Omega-3
Cellana, a San Diego, US and Hawaii-based developer of algae-based products for Omega-3 nutraceutical applications, has signed a letter of intent with Galil Algae Cooperative Agriculture Society to produce high-value algae products for aquaculture applications.
Cellana currently produces industrial-scale quantities of ReNew Algae, a high-value algae biomass rich in Omega-3 nutritional oils, proteins, fuel-grade oils, cosmetic-grade oils, acids, and polysaccharides, as well as other valuable micronutrients, at its Kona Demonstration Facility in Hawaii. At its facility in northern Israel, Galil Algae currently produces a variety of whole-algae products that are rich in Omega-3s for aquaculture applications.
The two companies aim to identify, cultivate, develop and scale up algae strains with immediate commercial value, emphasising the high-value components for existing aquaculture, mariculture, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic applications.
The starting points for the commercial venture are to include the existing Omega-3 algae strains of both companies, as well as potential new and improved strains identified through non-GMO strain optimisation techniques such as selective breeding, and/or additional naturally occurring strains identified through bioprospecting.
Galil Algae's high-Omega-3 algae strains fit very well with Cellana's approach to commercial strain development
The letter of intent also looks at the possibility of the two companies setting up a new algae research and development centre in northern Israel which, with the R&D activities to be undertaken at Cellana's facility in Hawaii, would be a focal point for the development and testing of new or optimised strains of high-value algae biomass.
'This newly established relationship with Galil Algae is an extension and validation of Cellana's core competencies in minimising contamination in large-scale outdoor algae biomass production and in growing algae strains that naturally produce high-value Omega-3 oils,' said Martin Sabarsky, Chief Executive of Cellana.
'Many of the same strains that can be grown for aquaculture hatchery applications can also be good sources of crude oil for fuel applications, proteins for animal feed and food applications, and oils and polysaccharides for cosmetic applications.'
Sabarsky added: 'Galil Algae's algae strains for aquaculture hatchery applications are qualitatively better than competing products based on their Omega-3 profile and other qualities. We look forward to finalising the definitive agreements with Galil Algae and working closely with Galil Algae to expand commercial-scale production of these high-value products.'
David Tsoran, CEO of Galil Algae, said: 'Galil Algae's high-performing, high-Omega-3 algae strains fit very well with Cellana's approach to commercial strain development and market focus within the nutraceutical and aquaculture sectors in particular.'
