Introduction

Spirulina is a sample cyanobacterium. It has been effectively promoted as a natural health and slimming food in the market. Studies shows that spirulina at a particular level indicated immense progress in anemia, diabetes, healing of wounds and lowering of cholesterol.

Use

· Protein supplement : in diets for malnourished children and
   adults
· Protein supplement : in feeds for poultry, cattle, pig and
  aquaculture
· Health food
· Food colourant
· Medicine in therapeutic preparation
· Enriching the feed in sericulture

Process

The spirulina production involves three major steps, viz., cultivation, harvesting and processing. Selected strains are used for cultivation of alga in specially constructed ponds. Constant agitation of water is one of the important parameters in cultivation of spirulina. Agitation of algal culture is necessary to keep nutrients evenly dispersed and also to expose all the cells to sunlight. The algal biomass is carefully harvested using specially made filters to recover biomass. The washed biomass is dried and is pulverized to get desired particle size and packed appropriately.

For details contact, e-mail : ttbd@cftri.com                                             Top