Why Algae?

Algae Facts

• Most plentiful plant on Earth.• Constitute 40% of the Earth’s daily biomass.• 100 times more organisms consume algae

than any other food source.• Range from microscope, ex. blue-green algae,

to large plants – like kelp.• Produce 70% of the world’s oxygen.• Grow in abundance all over the Earth.

Uses of Algae

• Food– Food (delicacy in many places) and processed food

ingredients (think ice cream and other products).– Feed for livestock– Vitamins and minerals – supplements.

Uses of Algae

• Fuels and oils– Green gasoline and diesel.– Jet fuel and aviation gas– Ethanol (replacement for corn-based ethanol),

butanol, and hydrogen.– Cooking oils

Uses of Algae

• Ecological solutions– Clean water– Carbon capture and clean air– Soil regeneration– Biofertilizers (replace synthetic nitrogen) and

hormones.

Uses of Algae

• Other novel uses– Disaster and famine relief– Medicine/pharma– Nano materials– Fabrics and advanced compounds

U of Michigan photobiorector

Biocentury Research FarmsIowa State University