Microalgae appeared a billion years ago on our planet and are known to be at least five times older than the oldest dinosaurs. They have survived the most hostile environments, toxic gases, dark, cold conditions and adapted to almost all ecological niches by producing a spread of metabolic products. Our studies showed that their biochemical flexibility can enable us brave our ways through antimicrobial resistance, air pollution and other such chemical stresses leading us to a healthier life. With a unique microalgal strain in hand, we moulded this microscopic squishy forms to yield commercially beneficial ‘green’ products like, Chloretone, Vitamin E, 1-Docosene and phytols. They were formulated into cosmeceuticals, and antimicrobials after having proven to be potent antioxidants and down regulating the virulence genes of pseudomonas aeruginosa. We used one these very microalgae to successfully construct a green air-purifier that boasts a purification rate of 54.46% comparable to any commercially available air-purifier but with an added advantage of producing oxygen, a feature singularly lacking in other chemically catalysed air-purifiers. Our studies indicate that microalgal biotechnology opens up avenues that would help us in truly greening the world for sustainable and habitable living. We are well on the way to establishing global collaborations that are the ideal conduit for transitioning ideas from mind to market

Microalgae: from antimicrobials to air purifiers

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.