IIT Guwahati, K.N. Bioscience Collaborate to Commercialize C-Phycocyani

In a significant move to transition sustainable biotechnology solutions from the laboratory to the marketplace, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd., for the extensive commercialisation of C-Phycocyanin derived from Spirulina biomass.

C-Phycocyanin is a natural blue pigment sourced from Spirulina, a kind of cyanobacteria that thrives on carbon dioxide and sunlight. It has various industrial uses, including a natural blue food dye to substitute synthetic colors in candies, ice cream, and drinks; a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic benefits; a fluorescent label for diagnostics; a cosmetic component for skin renewal and wound healing; and a protein-rich aquafeed and poultry additive for improved growth and disease resistance.

Even with its great potential, the broad use of this pigment is restricted by its expensive production costs and inefficiencies in both extraction and purification.

At present, just a few Indian companies engage in high-value microalgal products such as phycocyanin and omega-3 oils. However, this advancement opens the way for new industry players and enhances employment opportunities, and strengthens India’s biotechnology sector. From a worldwide perspective, this progress can establish India as a major exporter of this substance.

The technology has been effectively showcased through flask-level experiments, trials with a 5L fermenter, and a 100L airlift flat plate photobioreactor.

A patent has been granted for the downstream method created by researchers at IIT Guwahati, aimed at optimizing the extraction of C-phycocyanin from spirulina biomass and purifying it to an analytical-grade standard. At present, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is at 6, signifying its almost commercial viability.