Presented by:

Growing high value algae in a non

algae business environment.

Malaysia - a case study.

“T H E F U T U R E I S N O W”
Frost & Sullivan 2011 Best Practice Award
“Asia Pacific Green Excellence Award for Service Innovation in Algae Technology”
BIONEXUS Status Award
 ALGAE AS A BUSINESS

Algae is already known to be an emerging and long-term sustainable source.

This is due to its many benefits and business opportunities it offers:

ALGAE GROW FAST

ALGAE HAVE HIGH BIOFUEL YIELDS

ALGAE CONSUME CO2

ALGAE DO NOT COMPETE WITH AGRICULTURE

ALGAE CAN PURIFY WASTEWATERS

MICROALGAL BIOMASS CAN BE USED

FOR FUEL, FEED & FOOD
http://allaboutalgae.com/benefits/#sthash.NRk1qW4c.dpuf
 BASIC ALGAE GROWTH CONDITIONS

Depending on the type of algae, these

are the basic requirements for algae
cultivation
 MALAYSIA’S NATURAL CONDITIONS

• Temperatures fluctuate between 25 and 35 degrees during the year.

• Usually very hot and humid, especially in the major cities.

• Between mid-October and the end of March the climate at the

eastern side of the peninsula is affected by the rainy season or
monsoon season
 GROWING ALGAE IN MALAYSIA

• Research on the production of microalgae biofuels is in the beginning stages and

there is an urgent need for conducting more research on algae biofuels related to
economic issues.

• Geographically, the South China Sea borders Peninsular Malaysia in the east and both
Sarawak and Sabah in the north that has natural advantages for algae culture.

• Research and commercial applications of algae have gained more interest during the
last few years in Malaysia.

• Malaysia has a diverse knowledge based on algae, with more strength in

biotechnology and bioengineering.

• Industrial activity is also increasing slowly. Most of the active companies have
valuable contributions and some existing collaborations with Malaysia universities;
this inspires the interpretation of breakthroughs in academic fundamental research
into industrial scale applications.
Rajkumar R, Takriff MS (2015) Prospects of Algae and their Environmental Applications in Malaysia: A Case Study. J Bioremed
Biodeg 7: 321. doi:10.4172/2155-6199.1000321
 CASE STUDY: GROWING
HAEMATOCCOCUS PLUVIALIS
FOR THE PRODUCTION OF
ASTAXANTHIN
 WHAT IS ASTAXANTHIN?

Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant with capability to scavenge free

radicals

Astaxanthin is a keto carotenoid, classified under Xanthophylls. It is a

metabolite of Zeathanthin and / or Canthaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a
colourful lipid soluble pigment

Astaxanthin has two chiral centers/stereoisomers at the 3 and 3’

positions. There are three stereoisomers recorded so far in
Astaxanthin
3R, 3’R, 2. 3R, 3’R and 3. 3S, 3’S
 ASTAXANTHIN BENEFITS

Strong Antioxidant
 Anti-Inflammatory
 Provides Eye Fatigue Relief
 Increase Muscle Endurance
 Supports Healthy Blood Lipids
 Aids in Wrinkle Reduction

Astaxanthin is assimilated with lipoprotein and transported into the

tissues.
Of several naturally occurring carotenoids, Astaxanthin is considered
as one of the best carotenoids being able to protect cells lipids and
membrane lipid proteins against oxidative damages

(Olson, J.A., 2004. Pure Appl. Chem. 66: 1011 – 1016)

 ASTAXANTHIN BENEFITS

• The colour of Astaxanthin is due to the extended chain of

conjugated – alternating double and single bonds at the centre.
The double bonds of hydroxyl and keto groups are responsible for
antioxidant function of Astaxanthin.

• Astaxanthin protects body tissues from oxidative and Ultra-violet

damage through its suppression of NF-kB activation

(Lennikov, A., Nobyoshi, K. and Risa Fukase, 2012. Molecular vision 18: 455 – 464)
 ASTAXANTHIN SOURCES

• The yeast, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous produces 3R, 3’R

stereoisomers for the synthesis of Astaxanthin
• Synthetic Astaxanthin obtained from petroleum products
contains a mixture of all three stereoisomers
• Haematococcus pluvialis Astaxanthin contains 3S, 3’S
stereoisomers
• Astaxanthin was approved by US, Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) as a New Dietary ingredient in 1999

(Lennikov, A., Nobyoshi, K. and Risa Fukase, 2012.

Molecular vision 18: 455 – 464)
 HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS

Haematococcus pluvialis
Haemato (Blood) Coccus (Seed) Pluvialis (Fresh Water)

Vegetative cell Immature Aplanospore Aplanospore

 Microalgae – includes Chlorella and  Found in standing pools and ponds world
Spirulina wide (non-GMO)

 Singlecell fresh water Microalgae (Plant  During harsh environment conditions –

source) Hibernates
 WHY HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS FOR ASTAXANTHIN?

 The freshwater unicellular microalga Haematococcus pluvialis

synthesizes and accumulates the highest level of Astaxanthin compared
to the other Astaxanthin producer organisms.

 Commercially grown Haematococcus pluvialis can accumulate more

than 40 g of Astaxanthin per kg of dry biomass.

 Studies showed Astaxanthin’s health-beneficial effects in humans

were performed on the stereoisomer found in Haematococcus, 3S-3’S.

 In Nutraceutical applications, scientists have proven that one of the

main advantages of natural Astaxanthin esters is that the esterified
form is inherently more stable than the free form, providing for a
significantly longer shelf life without being oxidized.
 WHY HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS FOR ASTAXANTHIN?

The advanced commercial production of natural Astaxanthin from the

microalga Haematococcus pluvialis supplies the market with high-quality
products rich in Astaxanthin, suitable for human applications.

Free Astaxanthin from H. pluvialis has 4.4 fold higher free radical
scavenging activity (IC50 value of 8.1 microgram/ml) when compared to
that of Astaxanthin esters (Kamath, 2007).
Natural sources of Astaxanthin
 FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF ASTAXANTHIN AND OTHER COMPOUNDS

• Astaxanthin has shown both lipophilic & hydrophilic properties.

• Astaxanthin donates the electrons and reacting free radicals to convert them to be
more stable products & terminate free radical chain reaction.
• Astaxanthin has a unique structure which enables to stay both in & outside cell
membrane.
• Astaxanthin gives better protection than beta carotene and vitamin C
(Yamashita, 2013. Funct. Foods Health Dis. 3: 254 – 258)
THE RED COLOR FOUND IN NATURE IS ASTAXANTHIN
 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASTAXANTHIN

• For humans, Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with broad health

implications and unlike other antioxidants such as beta carotene,
zeaxanthin, vitamin E, C, D. and selenium, Astaxanthin never becomes
pro-oxidant in the body
(Pearson, P., et al., 2006. BioDrugs 20: 271 – 273)

• Haematococcus pluvialis extract is known to inhibit the growth of human

colon cancer cells by arresting cell cycle progression and promoting
apoptosis
(Palozza, P. et al., 2009. Cancer Lett. 283: 108 – 117)

• Astaxanthin has shown excellent results for helping with skin moisture
levels, smoothness and elasticity and preventing fine wrinkles and spots.
(Camera, E., et. al., 2009. Exp. Dermotol. 18: 222 – 231)
 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASTAXANTHIN

• Bioavailability of Astaxanthin in human plasma was confirmed with

single dosage of 100 mg
(Osterlie, M., Bjerkeng, B. and Liaaen-Jensen, 2000. J. Nutr. Biochem. 11: 482
– 492)

• Supplementation of Astaxanthin in human for eight weeks resulted in

increased blood levels and improved the activity of killer cells which
targeted to destroy the cells infected with viruses
(Park, J.S. et al., 2010. Nutr. Metab. 7: 1 – 10)

• A clinical trial made on humans revealed that Astaxanthin helps diabetic

retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye strain and fatigue and seeing in
fine details
(Sun, Z., et al., 2011. Food Funct. 2: 251 – 218)
 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASTAXANTHIN
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values for H. pluvialis made Astaxanthin is
about 3 times more than that of the synthetic product and about a third more than the
yeast- made version (Nguyen, 2013).

Table: Sustainability comparison on economical, environmental and societal impact of Astaxanthin production via chemical synthesis,
yeast fermentation (Phaffia rhodozyma) and algal induction (H. pluvialis):

Per kg of Economical Environmental Societal

Astaxanthin
Production Raw Land Energy Waste Emissions Cost ($) Oxygen Radical Human
method material usage cost water (Air) Absorbance consum
cost ($) (Sq.km) ($) Capacity ption?
(ORAC)
Chemical 40 10 26 0 2 2,000 33% NO
synthesis
Yeast 140 20 160 9 5 2,500 66% Most
fermentation
H. pluvialis 164 25 120 2 9 >7,000 100% YES
synthesis

Note: Green indicates the best option, yellow medium and red is the worse.
Comparisons of Astaxanthin content from Natural sources :
Organism Content Reference
% W/W dry wt
Green algae
Haematocus pluvialis 2.0-3.0 Lorenz and Cysewski, 2000
Neochloris wimmeri 0.6 Orsa et al., 2000
Chloroccum <0.2 Zhang et al., 1997
Nannochloropsis gaditana <0.3 Lubian et al., 2000
Scenedesmus vacuolatus 0.01 Orsa et al., 2000
Chlorella zofingiensis <0.01 Ip and Chen, 2005
Chlamydomonus nivalis 0.04 Bidigare et al., 1993
Fungi
Phaffia rhodozyma 0.4 Jacobson et al., 2000
Yeast-Candida utilis 0.04 Miura et al., 1998
Bacteria
Agrobacterium aurantiacum 0.01 Yokoyama et al., 1995
Animals
Shrimp –Pandalus clarkii 0.015 Mayers and Bligh, 1981
Back snow crab-Chinoecetes opilio 0.011 Shahidi and Synowiecki,1991
 CULTIVATION SYSTEM OF H.pluvialis

Astaxanthin production from H. pluvialis was developed on the industrial scale around
the late 1990s. Many different systems have been developed for large scale production
of H. pluvialis.

First growth stage (Green stage):

Usually facilitated by either closed indoor photo-bioreactors or enclosed outdoor
systems.
Closed system:

-Environmentally controlled process with less biological and chemical

contamination.
-Much more popular and optimal growth conditions can be achieved.

The cyst induction ‘reddening phase’ :

Conducted via open raceway ponds, where nutrient deprivation and cellular stress are
actually preferred.

Industrial systems have utilized nutrient deprivation, high irradiance, and/or high
temperature. Yields have hovered around 1-3% Astaxanthin harvested from cells.
 Cell response to stress in the green alga Haematococcus
Mode of action

Environmental Stresses: Slowdown of cell division

 Nutrient deprivation
 Salt stress
 High light
+ LIGHT Excess of light
 Low temperature
Generation of ROS
 Drought
 Aging

Cellular sensing,
mediators

Activation of cell response

Encystment
1. Xanthophyll cycle Change in cell
anabolism
(lipids)
2. ROS quenching enzymes
3. antioxidants

Motile cell Palmelloid Astaxanthin accumulation

Red cyst
21
 SYNCHRONIZED CULTURES AND LIFE CYCLE

40 Lag enhanced productivity

10 10

1 1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 0 20 40 60 80 100
Time (h) Time (h)

Normal Light High Light

22
 CREATING A SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS

Acclimatization of Strain
Continuous •Able to localize condition Nutrients & Air
Cultivation
•Able to take up stress under •Preparation into system
•Green Stage to tropical environment using non-conventional
Red Stage is method of filtration
continuous •Multiple Filtration
•No Contaminant
•Humidity Control

Bio-Processing
•Zirconia Beadmill
•Controlled process to reduce
oxidation of Astaxanthin ALGAETECH Media Preparation
from oxygen and light SYSTEM •Do not destroy nutrients
•Prevent Astaxanthin •Improves Growth
degradation to Astacene •Concentrated
•Enzyme to induce stress for
culture
•Improve 30% Growth Density
Light Poly Bag
•Reduces deformation
•Lighting is optimized to
•Prepared in-house under
compliment sunlight in
clean room system to avoid
tropical area
contamination
•Improved growth during
•Multiple layers of plastic
red stage with Sunlight &
LED •Disposable
•Specially Formulated
CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT SUITABLE FOR HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS

 Fully Closed Cultivation Area

 Clean Room Facilities
 Temperature Control
 Light Intensity Control
 Centralised Aeration
 Media Distribution Facility
 Real-time Monitoring
System
 24 Hour Surveillance
 QA/QC Facilities
 Sufficient Power Supply
 0.02 Micro Filtration System
CREATING A PROCESS FLOW SUITABLE FOR HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS
 UP-SCALING UP THE CULTIVATION PROCESS

INOCULUM SCALE UP IN MOTHER CULTURE ROOM 1

Total flasks (10L) = 277 flasks
Total blue bottles (17L) = 28 bottles
Total PET bottles (5L) = 84 bottles
Culture age:
 0-7 days – 627L
 8-15 days – 1,800L
 16-23 days – 306L

Parameters Average data

pH ±7.76-8.35
Cell Density 15,500-1,130,000 cell/mL
Temperature 20°C
Culture health Juvenile lot, majority healthy some
in dividing mode
 UP-SCALING UP THE CULTIVATION PROCESS
CULTURE SCALE UP AND MATURATION IN GREEN STAGE ROOM
Total bags = 1,092 bags
Full capacity = 65,520L
Current capacity = 58,080L (89% full)
Culture age:
 0-7 days – 26,340L
 8-15 days – 0L
 16-23 days – 35,880L
 > 20 days – 35,880L
Parameters Average data
pH ±7.59
Sludge transfer 283L
Temperature 21.5°C
Culture health Palmeloid high with
contamination under control
 UP-SCALING UP THE CULTIVATION PROCESS
CULTURE REDDENING IN RED STAGE ROOM
Total bags = 2340 bags
Full capacity = 140400L
Current capacity = 129720L (92% full)
Culture age:
 0-7 days – 44520L
 8-15 days – 50 400L
 16-23 days – 28 440L
 > 20 days – 6360L
Parameters Average data
pH ±7.6
Light intensity 21,000 lux
Temperature 29°C
Culture health Haema mostly in aplanospore stage
with while some in brown color
 WHY WE ARE BETTER?

Algaetech sees itself as competitive player due to its strength and ability in its
innovative production process, without sacrificing high quality and standards.

Controlled environment, higher productivity, shorter time

PBR Bags offer maxiumum efficiency, and offer more sanitary

solutions

• NO PLASTICISER Better control of gas transfer

• NO HARMFUL TOXIN
Lower evaporation
• NO INSECT PARTS
• NO HEAVY METAL More uniform temperature

Less contamination

Save space
 CHALLENGES IN ASTAXANTHIN PRODUCTION

Although natural sources have long been exploited for Astaxanthin production, it is
still uncertain if natural Astaxanthin can be produced at lower cost than that of
synthetic Astaxanthin or not.

One of the major limitations with the H pluvialis production system is that the
Astaxanthin gets trapped behind thick cells walls, thus complicating
the extraction process and the production yields.

Production capacity of H pluvialis is constrained by:

• Its intrinsic slow growth, low cell yield
• Ease of contamination by bacteria and protozoa, and
• Susceptibility to adverse weather conditions.

H. pluvialis cannot be efficiently cultivated in dark heterotrophic mode and making

the process economically less reasonable.

(http://www.oilgae.com/non_fuel_products/astaxanthin.html#sthash.vyvgtBKR.dpuf
)
 ASTAXANTHIN PRODUCERS

• Algaetech will be the first company in Malaysia to commercialize Haema

powder using the proven and latest technology for algae cultivation and bio
process.

• Currently there are 6 major pioneer prominent players in the market that
produce Haema powder and Astaxanthin to meet worldwide demand.

Company Location Trademark

USA BioAstin®
Cyanotech Corp.
Naturose®
Mera Pharmaceuticals Inc. USA AstafactorTM
Algatechnologies LTD. Israel AstaPure®
Sweden AstaCarox
Astareal (subsidiary of Bioreal, Inc.)

Natural Astaxanthin Co. Ltd. (PA-Shun China NaturAstaTM

Group)
Parry Neutraceuticals (Murugappa Group) India OleoResin
32
 INDUSTRIAL PLAYERS

Currently there are a few major pioneer prominent players (production scale) in the
market that produce Haema powder and Astaxanthin to meet worldwide demand.

Closed
Closed PBR + Closed Tubular Closed Plastic Bag Closed Flat Panel
Tanks/Cylinder
Raceway PBR PBR PBR
PBR

Cyanotech
Hawaii Algatechnologie Fuji
Supreme
Mera Pharma s Ltd Chemicals Biotechnologies
Fraunhofer
Inc Industry IGB @
Parry Nutra Ltd Biogenic Co Subitec
Ltd
Maui tropical
Jingzhou Natural Algae Health
Algae Farm
Pigmentos SA BGG China
Atacama Bio MicroA AS
Natural Algae to Algaetech
Yunnan Alphy
Heliae Omega Inc International
Developm`ent LC
Biotech
33
 OUR ASTAXANTHIN FACILITY IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Haematococcus Production Centre (1 acre)
2006 - Present
- 1 Acre & Build up Area 25,000 sqft
- R&D and Analytical Laboratory
- 4 tons per year Haematococcus Cultivation
- Pilot Bio-Processing Area
- Mother Inoculum Room
TO BE OBTAINED
Haematococcus Production Centre(5 acres)
2014 - Present
- 5.013 Acres & Build up Area 150,000 sqft
- World Class Laboratory Design
- 38 tons per year Haematococcus Cultivation
- High-Tech Bio-Processing Area
34
- Clean Room Mother Inoculum Area
 OUR ASTAXANTHIN FACILITY IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

A Brand New 150,000 sqft Production Facility

 PREMIA ASTA-EX| OUR PRODUCTS

6000 times more powerful Why Astaxanthin?

than Vitamin C!! Astaxanthin is derived from a unique strain of microalgae
called Haematococcus Pluvialis after acclimatizing to the
550 times more powerful local conditions in Malaysia. This type of microalgae
strain is capable of producing high grade and 100%
than Green Tea!! natural Astaxanthin.

Unlike many antioxidants, which deal with one free

radical at a time, our natural Astaxanthin handles
multiple free radicals, with a unique molecular structure
that lets it capture and neutralise multiple different free
radical types.

RETAIL PRICE RM 98.00
Why Asta-EX?
The production of Astaxanthin at Algaetech is under strict
control through use of advanced technologies to ensure
high quality and potency of the product. The product is
extracted into Oleoresin using Supercritical Fluid
Extraction before being encapsulated into veggie caps.

Launching of Asta-EX

• Product to be launched by Sept 2016

• To be sold in 300 pharmacies in across the nation by Sept 2016
• To be sold in retail chains and major pharmacies by Dec 2016
 PREMIA ASTA-EXP| OUR PRODUCTS

Why Asta-EXP?
The production of Astaxanthin at Algaetech is
under strict control through use of advanced
technologies to ensure high quality and potency
of the product. The product is developed into
powdered form using Cryogenic Vacuum Freeze
Drying before being encapsulated..

ASTA-EXP PRODUCTS
• Astaxanthin for Joints
• Astaxanthin for Cardio
• Astaxanthin for Sports (Active)
• Astaxanthin for General Health
COMING SOON!
Launching of Asta-EXP
• Product to be launched by Sept 2016
• To be sold in 300 pharmacies in across the
nation by Sept 2016
• To be sold in retail chains and major
pharmacies by Dec 2016
 ASTATUDE SKIN CARE| OUR PRODUCTS

Brightening Range Anti Aging Range

1. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING CLEANSING MILK 1. ASTATUDE CLAENSING MILK
2. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING CLEASING FOAM 2. ASTATUDE CLEANSIN GEL
3. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING LOTION 3. ASTATUDE TONING LOTION
4. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING SERUM 4. ASTATUDE BOOSTER SERUM
5. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 35 5. ASTATUDE DAY MOISTURIZER
6. ASTATUDE BRIGHTENING NIGHT MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 35
7. ASTATUDE SPOT CORRECTOR 6. ASTATUDE NIGHT
MOISTURIZER

Specific Care Range

1. ASTATUDE FACIAL SCRUB
2. ASTATUDE FACIAL MASK
3. ASTATUDE EYE SERUM
 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS| OUR PRODUCTS

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS

• Haematococcus Powder – 2% - 5%
• Astaxanthin Oloeresin – 5% & 10%
• Astaxanthin Capsule – 4mg, 6mg & 8mg
(Oleoresin)
• Astaxanthin Capsule – 4mg (Powder)
• White Label Astaxanthin
• Booster Feed Additive for Poultry, Ruminants
& Aquaculture
• Other derivatives from microalgae

Launching of BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

• Effective immediately
THANK YOU