Mexican researchers explore microalgae for sustainable colorants

Researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico's (UNAM) Institute of Biotechnology (IBt) are exploring the potential of microalgae to create environmentally friendly colorants. These pigments are intended for use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and textiles, offering a sustainable alternative to artificial dyes.

Daniela Morales Sánchez, a researcher at IBt, explained the growing demand for natural substances. "Currently, there is a boom for these substances, as there is an increasing desire to use fewer artificial or synthetic colorants," she stated in a university press release. She further elaborated on the function of pigments, noting they absorb light at different wavelengths to emit specific colors.

The project emphasizes sustainability, with Morales Sánchez highlighting that microalgae can contribute to pollution reduction by consuming carbon dioxide, their primary source of carbon and light. Cultivating microalgae on a large scale could therefore benefit the environment.

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Currently, there is a boom for these substances, as there is an increasing desire to use fewer artificial or synthetic colorants.

Morales Sánchez has been working with microalgae since 2010, initially focusing on biofuels before shifting to high-value products like pigments and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Her team is investigating the mechanisms that enable microalgae to produce pigments, including photoprotection against UV radiation. They have successfully engineered microalgae to produce melanin, a pigment typically found in human skin, by inserting genes from bacteria.

"We are still in early research, but this provides photoprotection to the microalgae, even against UV radiation. In the near future, we could make photoprotectors," Morales Sánchez added. The research also touches upon the adaptive mechanisms of polar microalgae, which endure prolonged periods of darkness in winter and intense light in summer.

Published research indicates that the microalgae pigment market could reach $452.4 million this year and potentially double by 2034. While Mexico is only beginning to utilize these pigments, with some companies producing blue pigments from cyanobacteria, the IBt team is developing colorants using phycocyanin for food applications like ice cream and candy. The scientists believe microalgae offer a pathway to producing valuable compounds, including fatty acids.

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We are still in early research, but this provides photoprotection to the microalgae, even against UV radiation. In the near future, we could make photoprotectors.