Corbion and Kuehnle AgroSystems to make natural astaxanthin from algae

Dutch-based Corbion has partnered with US biotech company Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) to develop and commercialize a high-quality, natural astaxanthin through controlled algae fermentation. This potent antioxidant is linked to various human health benefits and used as a feed ingredient in aquaculture.

The partners aim to develop an esterified form of astaxanthin — combining an alcohol and acid to create a new molecule rich in the most bioavailable isomer. This type of astaxanthin would deliver superior antioxidant performance, enhanced stability, and fat solubility. 

According to the companies, the ingredient will be designed for human and animal nutrition and “particularly well-suited” for nutraceuticals and aquaculture. 

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainable, science-based solutions,” says Robert Jan de Voogd, Algae Ingredients North America general manager at Corbion. “KAS’ technology offers a strong foundation to deliver high-quality natural astaxanthin to customers looking for a clean label alternative.”

The companies have already begun development and technical transfer, and will provide further updates as the project progresses. 

Algae fermentation

The microalgae Haematococcus is the primary natural source of the antioxidant and red-orange carotenoid pigment found in various aquatic organisms, such as microalgae, salmon, and shrimp. 

Most astaxanthin on the aquaculture market is chemically synthesized, while human health applications rely on phototrophic Haematococcus sources for the antioxidant. Phototrophic organisms utilize light energy to produce their organic compounds. 

Corbion and KAS will use controlled fermentation of non-GMO heterotrophic Haematococcus, which relies on consuming other organic matter instead of light energy. 

To bring their innovation to market at scale, the partners will combine KAS’ advanced fermentation platform and proprietary non-GMO algae strains with Corbion’s industrial production capabilities, regulatory expertise, and go-to-market expertise. 

“We’re proud to collaborate with Corbion to scale our technology and make premium algae-derived antioxidants more accessible worldwide,” says Claude Kaplan, CEO of KAS.

Last year, KAS secured a US$3 million Series A2 funding round to enable faster and more affordable algae-derived astaxanthin production. The company noted it would use the funds to accelerate the commercialization of its patented process, which grows the algae much quicker by fermentation on vinegar rather than in open ponds or bioreactors. 

Astaxanthin health benefits

The antioxidant has been linked to benefits in eye and brain health. For example, clinical research indicates astaxanthin supplementation helps reduce acute and chronic computer vision syndrome in children, overcoming symptoms like eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. 

As the nutraceutical can cross the blood-brain barrier, it can also provide neuroprotective effects by targeting pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial health. 

In other astaxanthin developments, BGG is ramping up manufacturing in China with new funding. The company’s glass-tube photobioreactor microalgae platform will incorporate the entire value chain and consolidate farming, extraction, drying, packaging, and R&D.