Commercial Development Agreement for BGU’s Green Algae Strain
Commercial Development Agreement for BGU’s Green Algae Strain
January 26, 2011
Medical Research, Natural Sciences, Press Releases
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL, January, 26, 2011 — Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the PTT Chemical Public Company Ltd. in Thailand have signed a research and development collaboration agreement for commercial development of BGU’s proprietary green algae strain.
The agreement is for the production of dihomo gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA- Omega 6) using BGU’s mutant strain of the green microalgae Parietochloris incise. The joint research will focus on optimizing DGLA production through advanced algae cultivation methods and large-scale processing in a commercially viable setting.
The parties regard this cooperation as a first step in a long lasting collaboration toward developing additional valuable bio-chemicals from microalgae, as well as using these microorganisms as potential feed stocks for biofuels.
The BGU strain accumulates up to 12 to 15 percent (of dry wt.) DGLA in cytoplasmic oil bodies and to date is the only plant source capable of producing appreciable DGLA quantities. Its ability to deposit DGLA in triacylglycerols makes the organism a promising source for pharmaceutical purposes.
DGLA is a precursor for the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 and its use could aid in the treatment of chronic inflammations, such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, asthma and arthritis, as well as in reduction of blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the risk for heart attacks. DGLA’s market potential is estimated at $300 million by 2015.
According to Prof. Sammy Boussiba, director of the Landau Family Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory (MBL) at BGU’s Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, “We believe that this joint project will lead to the development of the first pilot plant for the commercial production of DGLA. We are proud that PTT Chemical has recognized the capability of our team, an outstanding group of academics who have proven their ability to compete in the international marketplace and joined our commitment to the highest level of research.”
About the Landau Family Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory
Ben-Gurion University’s Landau Family Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory (MBL) at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research represents one of the few research centers that are interfacing basic algal physiology with industrial applications. As an outcome of this work, the group has been instrumental in developing one of the largest and most advanced tubular photobioreactor facilities (200-300 m3) for the production of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus biomass. MBL uses algae in all aspects of environmental remediation, as well as a potential alternative energy source (biofuel).
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
Stories Like This
