Chlorella from Algae and its Uses

Chlorella is a single-cell green alga that thrives on freshwater. It is spherical in diameter and measures 3 to 8 micron. It is a plant with high Photosynthesis efficiency and has a wide range of distribution. The cells are rich in chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and nucleic acid.

Algae Strains that Produce Chlorella

Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Chlorella vulgaris

Nutrient Composition of Chlorella

Production Process

Chlorella cultivation is also carried out in open ponds, but concrete ponds are not economical. One company in Taiwan has developed an inexpensive 'red mud plastic' which is resistant to sun's UV rays. In a Taiwan company, Chlorella is produced in completely closed systems from test tubes to small tanks to large fermenters. The concentrated stream of Chlorella is produced from large fermenter onto the roof of the factory, where it then flows down through translucent plastic tubes while exposing the algae to sunlight and then returns to the fermenter. The sunlight transmitted into the medium through the plastic tubes produces a chlorophyll concentration that compares favorably with that of Chlorella grown in open ponds.

Applications and Health Benefits of Chlorella

Chlorella is considered a complete food, a superfood even, because of its important role in detoxification and its high content of protein, vitamins, and minerals including carotenoids (astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, flavoxanthin, loraxanthin, neoxanthin and violaxanthin), enzymes (pepsin) and chlorophyll.

• Naturally cultivated Chlorella is rich in protein, vitamin B12, beta carotene, and many other vitamins and minerals. It includes all eight essential amino acids, lipoic acid, and is rich in RNA & DNA.
• Chlorella is a rich source of magnesium due to the presence of a large amount of chlorophyll in the algae.
• Chlorella has more chlorophyll than any other plant in the world. Because of its high levels of chlorophyll, Chlorella has many beneficial effects on the immune system.
• The Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) has intriguing regenerative effects.
• Chlorella stimulates peristalsis in the intestines and so it is one of the major diets followed in many weight-loss programs.
• Chlorella is sold as a dietary supplement and food colorant.

Nutritional Profile of Chlorella

Reference Link

Industrial Uses of Chlorella

• Research studies have revealed that adding chlorella or CGF to foodstuffs, food manufacturers can significantly extend the shelf life of fermented food products without antiseptics. Korean manufacturers are adding chlorella to fermented food products such as kimchi, tofu, yogurt and bread as well as fermented drinks.
• If chlorella extract is added to the dough before yeast Fermentation the visual appearance and flavor of the loaf is enhanced.
• Chlorella can also be added to wine, cakes, cookies, cheese, ice cream, pasta and rice to enhance flavor and nutritive value.

Market

The production of Chlorella as a human health supplement accounted for about 2000 tons per year. The current market value for Chlorella is $44 per kilogram.

Prominent Players in the Chlorella Market