Aurora Algae heads for commercialization with light sensitized, saline algae

In California, the company formerly known as Aurora Biofuels has confirmed its emergence as Aurora Algae, as previously reported in the Digest. The company also said that it is now transitioning from a pilot technology development to full-scale commercialization of the Company’s proprietary algae products, including high concentration eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA Omega-3 fatty acids), high-density proteins, fish meal and renewable fuels.

The company’s first commercial-scale facility will be located in Australia, and co-founder Matt Caspari will relocate there to oversee development of the new facility.

The company said that it will develop omega-3 fatty acids in commercial quantities, protein extracts will be added to health shakes, protein bars, fish meal and biodiesel.

The company’s key technology – an optimized strain of salt-water algae  that is lighter in color than wild-type algae, allowing deeper penetration of sunlight, thereby extending the zone for algae reproduction and increasing yield.  The company said it has also adapted a technique used in the waste-water industry for low-cost algal harvesting.

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