Context:
Recently, scientists at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have spotlighted the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract derived from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’, as an ideal ingredient for a wide range of food and feed applications.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
What are Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) and Chlorella Sorokiniana?
Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF):
- Rich in Nutrients: CGF is abundant in high-quality amino acids and proteins, making it a promising alternative for both human and animal nutrition.
- Essential Components: Contains vital amino acids and nutrients such as peptides, nucleotides, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, surpassing commercial soy meal.
- Extraction Process: Obtained through a non-chemical autolysis method, preserving the integrity of amino acids and other valuable elements.
- Benefits to Animal Feed: Enhances egg quality when added to chicken feed, indicating its potential as a superior protein supplement for animals.
- Sustainable Crop: Microalgae like Chlorella sorokiniana are viewed as “under-exploited crops,” not competing with traditional food crops for resources, thus offering a sustainable solution for meeting the growing global demand for high-quality protein.
Chlorella Sorokiniana:
- Unique Characteristics: This oval-shaped, single-celled algae stands out in the microscopic world due to its active growth capability.
- Self-Contained Organism: Each cell is a complete organism, containing all the essential nutrients required for life, making it self-sustaining.
- Rapid Reproduction: Can multiply rapidly, expanding from one cell to 24 cells within 24 hours when exposed to sufficient sunlight and nutrients.
-Source: Down To Earth
