Revolutionary Partnership Ignites Excitement: IIT Guwahati’s Breakthrough C-Phycocyanin Technology Set for Unprecedented Commercial Success!
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has partnered with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. to commercialize an innovative biotechnology process for producing C-Phycocyanin from Spirulina biomass. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 18, aims to develop sustainable biotechnology solutions and transition them from research labs to the market.
C-Phycocyanin, a natural blue pigment derived from the cyanobacteria Spirulina, boasts multiple industrial applications including serving as a natural blue food colorant, a nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and a fluorescent marker for diagnostics. Despite its significant potential, its widespread adoption has been limited by high production costs and extraction inefficiencies.
IIT Guwahati researchers, led by Prof. Debasish Das, have developed a cost-effective, high-yield processing technology that enhances the environmental sustainability of C-Phycocyanin production. Their innovative approach focuses on boosting Spirulina biomass yield and increasing intracellular phycocyanin concentrations. The green extraction and purification process eliminates harmful solvents, allowing for efficient single-step purification to high purity within a shorter timeframe.
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, highlighted the institution’s commitment to advancing impactful biotechnologies by addressing challenges in sustainable biomanufacturing. This partnership represents a major milestone in India’s biotechnology sector, facilitating the transition from synthetic additives to natural alternatives.
Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, commended IIT Guwahati’s robust upstream and downstream processing technology. The collaboration offers a scalable, cost-efficient solution with significant industrial potential, supporting environmental sustainability by utilizing carbon dioxide.
This initiative marks the first time an indigenously developed phycocyanin technology is being transferred to an Indian company, signifying a pivotal step towards self-reliance and innovation in the nation’s biotechnology landscape.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/iit-guwahati-inks-pact-for-large-scale-commercialisation-of-c-phycocyanin-production-technology-1172398-2025-02-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-02-18 22:45:00
