Through this project, the university is set to explore how ‘microalgae’, which are commonly found along India’s west coast, can be tapped for their use in various industries such as skin care products or nutraceuticals like omega-3s
Sites across the city whose microalgae species are being studied by the team of researchers. Pics/By Special Arrangement
In a first, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has sanctioned a grant of Rs 71.74 lakh for Mumbai University’s Centre for Excellence in Marine Studies. The grant is to be utilised for a project on ‘bio-prospecting of marine microalgae’. Through this project, the university is set to explore how ‘microalgae’, which are commonly found along India’s west coast, can be tapped for their use in various industries such as skin care products or nutraceuticals like omega-3s.
Professor Varsha Kelkar Mane, the Centre’s deputy director, who is leading the project, said, “The main objective of this project is to explore the possibilities of using these microalgae, especially in the rapidly developing cosmeceutical industry. Marine microalgae play a vital role in acting as carbon sinks, food webs, and primary producers, together with offering vast potential in biotechnology for sustainable fuels, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, supporting several Sustainable Development Goals.”
As per Prof Kelkar Mane, these microalgae are rich in proteins, lipids, vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. This makes them ideal for human and animal nutrition. The organisms can also grow rapidly and adapt quickly, making them ideal for industrial applications. “The west coast of India has so far been untapped for this resource, and the project aims to effectively address the same,” she said.
In numbers
Number of research personnel involved: 1 Principal investigator, 1 Research Fellow, 5 PhD students assisting
Coastal areas being explored for microalgae species: Dwarka to Veraval in Gujarat, Mumbai, Raigad-Ratnagiri coast line, Goa
Mumbai areas being studied: Dadar, Juhu, Madh, Gorai, Mulund saltpans
Number of marine microalgae species being studied: 10
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
