In a major step towards bringing sustainable biotechnology solutions from lab to market. Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KN Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. for the large-scale commercialisation of C-Phycocyanin production from Spirulina biomass.

C-Phycocyanin is a natural blue pigment derived from Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria that grows using carbon dioxide and sunlight. It has multiple industrial applications including being a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compound, with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties

Despite its immense potential, widespread adoption of this pigment is limited due to its high production costs and inefficiencies in extraction and purification.

To address these challenges, IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a technology that enables cost-effective, high-yield extraction of C-Phycocyanin, while enhancing environmental sustainability. By streamlining the entire process of cultivation to purification, the research team has made the entire process energy efficient, cost effective, and time saving compared to conventional methods.

In the developed process, upstream technology focuses on improving the spirulina biomass yield and improving the intracellular phycocyanin concentrations in spirulina filaments. The downstream technology developed for extraction and purification of this intracellular compound is a green process that eliminates the use of harmful solvents or chemicals.

Prof. Debasish Das, lead scientist behind developed technology, and Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “As innovators in bioprocess technology, we aim to tackle economic and technological bottlenecks that hinder the full potential of microalgae-derived products. Our technology ensures that high-purity C-Phycocyanin is affordable and accessible, allowing industries to transition from synthetic additives to natural, sustainable alternatives. This is the first time an indigenously developed phycocyanin technology is being transferred to an Indian company, marking a significant milestone in the country’s biotechnology sector.”

Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd, said, “With its low-cost production, green and solvent-free extraction process, and high-yield output, this innovation holds immense potential across multiple industries. The rapid extraction and single-step purification make it commercially viable, while its Carbon Dioxide utilisation supports environmental sustainability. We look forward to leveraging this technology to drive innovation and create a significant impact in the biotechnology sector.”

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