The R&D team covers areas of microalgae cultivation and processing and subsequent product
developmental procedures.
What started as an initiative by the MCRC (Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre) to find a food source that would alleviate malnutrition in underprivileged children, grew into this 130 acre multi species algal facility. In one of the large scale human nutrition studies conducted by MCRC in1992, Spirulina was originally introduced as Spiru-OM (Spirulina mixed with rice noodles) for children suffering from Vitamin A deficiency (corneal xerosis) and Bitot's Spot, a buildup of keratin debris located superficially in the conjunctiva of the eye.
Over 5000 pre-school children were fed with 1g of Spirulina a day which reduced the prevalence of Bitot's spot and prevented the occurrence of corneal xerosis. Giving 1g per day increased the serum retinol levels. The prevalence of B-Complex deficiency was also reduced with this supplementation.We have also conducted some well published studies on Spirulina and it health benefits related to Oral Cancer, improvement in hemoglobin level, photosensitivity, antioxidant property, hepato-toxicity etc
Three decades of Research and Development in microalgal biotechnology has made us experts in the field of Microalgae. It has resulted in products like Certified Organic Spirulina and Natural Mixed Carotenoids (from Dunaliella salina) and Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis) are being produced under one roof, something that had never been done until now.The production of Astaxanthin using open raceway systems for both ‘Green’ and ‘Red’ stages shows our company‘s commitment to innovation in algal technologies.
We have completed our Carotenoid range by introducing Lutein Esters, Zeaxanthin and the Natural Lycopene complex etc.,
The team consists of dedicated scientists, involved in continual innovation process to find nutritionally important microalgae and other Nutraceuticals such as our R&D project for Omega3 Fatty Acids and other similar projects. For Photoautotrophic growth of microalgae for Omega 3 fatty acid production - Indian and U.S. patents are being processed