SCHOTT and Algatechnologies Ltd. Present a New Method to Improve Algae Production

SCHOTT and Algatechnologies Ltd. (Algatech), a biotechnology company specializing in algae production, have signed an R&D agreement to strengthen their partnership following a successful one-year study of new glass tubes at Algatech’s algae production facility.SCHOTT‘s thin-walled DURAN® glass tubes significantly improved cultivation efficiency in the yields of Algatech’s AstaPure® natural astaxanthin. Dr. Nikolaos Katsikis of SCHOTT and Raz Rashelbach of Algatech will present the study’s full results at the Algae Biomass Summit, held from September 29 to October 2 in San Diego, Calif.

Close Up Algae tube of DURAN Glass

Algatech sought to optimize cultivation of AstaPure, a premium natural antioxidant known as astaxanthin, as part of its goal to double production capacity. SCHOTT partnered with Algatech in 2013 to produce 16 kilometers—nearly 10 miles—of thin-walled DURAN glass tubes for testing in Algatech’s photobioreactor (PBR) production systems at its array in Israel.

SCHOTT reduced the wall thickness of the special DURAN tubes while maintaining their strength and stability. The thinner walls facilitate higher volume and increased sun exposure of the microalgae. The use of DURAN tubes resulted in an increase in algae production efficiency and higher yields of AstaPure astaxanthin.

Algatechnologies Photobioreactor facility in Israel Kibbutz Ketura

“From energy to medicine, cosmetics to nutraceuticals, many different industries rely on algae,” said Raz Rashelbach, R&D manager at Algatech. “The success of the thin-walled DURAN tubing has helped increase the AstaPure production efficiency on a small scale that can now be replicated on a much larger scale.”

“Further testing and development of new products in partnership with Algatech will allow us to continue finding new ways and methods to improve algae production,” added Nikolaos Katsikis, Director, Business Development at SCHOTT Tubing.

SCHOTT and Algatech’s R&D agreement will expand their joint cooperation. A dedicated section of Algatech’s factory in the Arava Desert will serve as a beta site for advanced glass components developed by SCHOTT for implementation in PBRs.

“The partnership with SCHOTT is an additional step in achieving our objectives to optimize production efficiency and widen our capabilities in the development of new microalgae-based products,” said Hagai Stadler, CEO of Algatech. “Algatech's extensive know-how in algae cultivation technologies, together with SCHOTT’s versatile glass manufacturing capabilities and knowledge, will allow both companies to develop advanced solutions for the algae industry.”

Download photos: https://www.schott-pictures.net/presskit/258452.algatechnologies-pi

About SCHOTT

SCHOTT is an international technology group with 130 years of experience in the areas of specialty glass and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, pharmaceutical, electronics, optics and transportation industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers’ success and making SCHOTT an important part of people’s lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in 35 countries. Its workforce of 15,400 employees generated worldwide sales of US$ 2.5 billion for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.



About Algatechnologies

Algatech is a global biotechnology company specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae, and is a world leader in the production and supply of AstaPure® natural astaxanthin, which is manufactured in a completely closed cultivation system, fully controlled and utilizing natural sunlight. Algatech is a member of NAXA—the Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association—a trade organization dedicated to educating the public and industry about the health benefits of Natural Algae Astaxanthin and the major differences between sources.  Algatechnologies holds Kosher, Halal, ISO 9001/2008, HACCP and GMP international accreditations.