Haematococcus pluvialis , also known as Haematococcus lacustris , is a freshwater microalga recognized as the richest source of natural astaxanthin . Thanks to its ability to produce large quantities of this powerful antioxidant, H. pluvialis has become a cornerstone in the natural astaxanthin market.
Cell Morphology and Life Cycle
H. pluvialis goes through two main stages:
- Green stage: Motile vegetative cells, called macrozooids , have swimming flagella and are spherical, ellipsoidal, or pear-shaped, measuring 8–20 µm. These cells reproduce asexually, forming between 2 and 32 daughter cells within a sporangium.
- Red stage: Under stressful conditions (such as nutrient deficiency, high light intensity, or extreme temperatures), cells form immotile cysts, called aplanospores , with thick cell walls that protect them from harsh environments. At this stage, cells accumulate astaxanthin, increasing their carotenoid content from 0.5% to 2%–5% of their dry weight.
Cultivation and Production of Astaxanthin
The production of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis follows a two-stage process:
- Green phase: Under optimal conditions (25–30 °C, pH 7 and moderate light), cell division and biomass production are maximized.
- Red phase: Stress, such as nitrogen deficiency, activates the accumulation of astaxanthin.
Culture media such as Bold Basal Medium (BBM) and Blue Green Medium (BG-11) are used to optimize growth.
Innovative Cultivation Techniques
To reduce costs and improve efficiency, innovative methods are being developed, including:
- Use of treated wastewater: An economical alternative that also contributes to environmental remediation.
- Photosynthetic microbial fuel cells: They use H. pluvialis as a substrate to generate bioelectricity and oxygen while remediating wastewater and producing biomass.
- Bubble culture: This method uses plastic wrap to create closed environments that allow gas exchange and reduce contamination.
Biochemical Composition
H. pluvialis is a rich source of essential nutrients:
- Proteins: 29%–45% in the green stage, decreasing to 21%–23% in the red stage.
- Carbohydrates: Increase from 15%–17% to 60%–74% in the red stage.
- Lipids: They contain 20%–25% fatty acids, predominantly polyunsaturated.
- Carotenoids: Astaxanthin dominates in the red stage, representing 80%–99% of total carotenoids.
Research and Future Perspectives
Research on H. pluvialis seeks to:
- Optimize cultivation methods and increase astaxanthin production.
- Explore the co-production of lipids and proteins to expand their applicability.
- Apply genetic engineering to improve its characteristics and productive efficiency.
Applications of H. pluvialis
Natural astaxanthin produced by H. pluvialis has multiple uses:
- Nutrition and health: As a dietary supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Pharmaceutical: With therapeutic potential for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cosmetics: To protect the skin against aging and UV radiation damage.
- Animal feed: As a supplement in aquaculture and poultry farming.
Haematococcus pluvialis is a fascinating microalga with enormous potential for the sustainable production of astaxanthin and other valuable metabolites. Its role in human health, the pharmaceutical industry, and environmental stewardship positions it as an essential resource for a healthier and more sustainable future. Are you ready to reap the benefits of astaxanthin? At SevenS, we work to maximize its potential and bring wellness to your life.