Algae Fuel - Alternative Applications

Alternative Applications

Algae used as a source of biofuels is a relatively newly discovered use, but algae has been used in numerous other applications for many years. The other components in algae, including carbohydrates, natural dyes and pigments, antioxidants and other bio-active compounds, can all be used in various processes ranging from the industrial to pharmaceutical sectors.

Many of the byproducts produced in the processing of microalgae can be used in various applications. Some of the products not used in the production of biofuel include natural dyes and pigments, antioxidants, and other high-value bio-active compounds. These chemicals and excess biomass have found numerous use in other industries. For example, the dyes and oils have found a place in cosmetics, commonly as a thickening and water-binding agent. Due to its vitamin rich nature, algae conditions and hydrates the skin while it nourishes, rejuvenates, and detoxifies. Two common algal species in use are Irish moss and carrageenan which contain proteins, vitamin A, sugar, starch, vitamin B1, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and calcium. These are all useful as sources for skin care, either as emollients or antioxidants.

Discoveries within the pharmaceutical industry include certain antibiotics and antifungals that have been derived from microalgae. They have also been used in natural health products, which have been growing in popularity in the past few decades. The cyanobacteria microalgae Spirulina, provides numerous polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 and 6), amino acids and vitamins, as well as pigments that may be beneficial, such as beta-carotene and chlorophyll.