ARCHIVES:  SPIRULINA CULTIVATION

SUMMARY

COMMERCIAL SPIRULINA TABLETS, Cape Province, South Africa: Recognised at the time (2002 – 2006) as the largest covered algal facility worldwide, conceptualised and implemented by a team of structural engineers and civil contractors.

SIZE:  9 x 2,500 m2 individually covered raceway ponds.

NOVEL PROCESSING & DRYING SYSTEM developed by Dr. Dekker:  Ensured that Biodelta Spirulina was a world-first Spirulina powder directly compressible into tablets, without the use of additives, whilst complying with tablet disintegration standards.

SYNTHETIC SEAWATER AS GROWTH MEDIUM:  The Spirulina cultivation process utilised synthetic seawater.  ENVIRONMENTAL DISCHARGE PREVENTED  through a “closed-loop system” designed for internal saline water treatment and reuse.

Above:  Spirulina cultivation – raceway ponds.

Valuable Experience gained in Commercial Algal Biotechnology

Extensive experience in commercial algal biotechnology was gained when we conceptualised the implementation of the largest Spirulina production facility in South Africa, located in the Cape Province. At the time it was also recognised as the largest covered algal facility worldwide in order to provide ultimate climate control for Spirulina cultivation, comprising of 9 x 2,500 m2 individually covered raceway ponds.

We developed and implemented a novel processing and drying system to ensure that Biodelta Spirulina is a world-first Spirulina powder that is directly compressible into tablets, without the use of any additives, while simultaneously complying with pharmaceutical tablet disintegration standards. Biodelta utilised low-temperature drying (to preserve sensitive phytochemicals) compared to conventional high-temperature spray drying. Spirulina is a natural immune stimulant and contains unique phytochemical compounds with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Spirulina cultivation process utilised synthetic seawater for the growth medium and the facility was designed as a “closed-loop system” whereby the saline water is internally treated and continuously re-used to prevent any environmental discharge. Dr. Len was the lead biotechnologist responsible for the design and operation of the facility during 2002 – 2006.