

An Inexhaustible Source of Ecological and High-Quality Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Our biotechnology company aims to create science-based products for health promotion using natural substances and innovative technological solutions. Algae and microalgae are currently in the spotlight worldwide, as well as for our scientists, due to their unique composition of biologically active substances, which allows us to obtain essential Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds.
Algae: A Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Resource
Until now, valuable and essential Omega-3 fatty acids have been obtained from fish, fish oil, and other marine products. However, obtaining them from these sources is not sustainable, as it promotes overfishing. The seas and oceans would be critically depleted to meet the ever-increasing demand for these fatty acids. In addition, fish and seafood accumulate various toxic compounds and heavy metals that enter the seas and oceans due to global industrialisation.
Cultivating microalgae in photobioreactors eliminates the risks, as mentioned earlier. Microalgae are propagated under controlled conditions, do not contain harmful compounds and heavy metals, and provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to obtain fatty acids. Algae are the primary source of Omega-3, resulting in seafood and fish from algae. Moreover, such products are vegan-friendly so that everyone can consume them.
The Three Most Important Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Health
Currently, scientific research describes and studies three Omega-3 fatty acids with the greatest importance in human health: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are obtained from fish or fish oil, as well as from microalgae products. ALA is a plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid that is not synthesised in the body, so it must be obtained through diet. From ALA – EPA and DHA are synthesised in the body, but in very small amounts, not sufficient to benefit.
Focus on Eicosapentaenoic Acid
This spring, the síbiotech research and development team started cultivating microalgae in photobioreactors to propagate them in large quantities to obtain Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants for health promotion. A clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate its safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability.
Within the framework of our project, the main selection criterion for microalgae strains is to provide a significant concentration of Omega-3, and the main focus is on eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease and Has Anti-Aging Effects
Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, is a polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acid with various health-promoting properties, the most well-known of which are reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and anti-inflammatory effects.
Several studies have highlighted additional health-promoting effects of EPA, including:
- Lowers blood pressure;
- Lowers triglyceride levels;
- Anti-ageing and antioxidant effects have been observed;
- Recent studies indicate that EPA also improves insulin sensitivity in people with metabolic disorders.
Cultivation of Microalgae and Extraction of Fatty Acids
Microalgae cultivation takes place in two phases. In the first phase, biomass is propagated, and optimal conditions are studied for the biomass to grow. In the second phase, changes in various cultivation factors (light intensity, temperature, pH, etc.) are studied to ensure that microalgae under such stress conditions direct their biochemical processes to the biosynthesis of the desired fatty acids. Like in pharmaceutical development, where active substances are synthesised, here, employing modern biotechnology, biosynthesis is performed by living microorganisms.
The combination of Omega-3 EPS and antioxidants from microalgae is planned to be obtained using modern technology, supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (CO2), a gentle and sustainable technology, as it ensures the extraction of pure fat-soluble compounds. The obtained extracts do not contain unwanted impurities, such as heavy metals. Obtained extracts do not contain allergens, and moreover, the extraction process does not involve contact with oxygen, which is essential for fatty acids to prevent their oxidation.
Conclusion
It is important to us that the obtained biologically active substances significantly contribute to human health. Therefore, we plan to conduct clinical trials of the safety, efficacy, and bioavailability of new algae-based products together with health professionals in the future.