| New Human Protein Source Introduced |
| Wednesday, 23 November 2011 16:51 | |||
 Melbourne, Florida, November 2011— PetroAlgae Inc., a provider of licensed technology that produces micro-crops for renewable protein, feed, and fuel products recently announced completion of the first phases of two studies showing that a PetroAlgae micro-crop protein could qualify as the first major new plant protein source for humans since soy protein entered the human diet in the 1950s. PetroAlgae’s patent-pending technology employs a hydroponic system using indigenous aquatic plants, and is designed to enable its licensees to produce high-value protein, animal feed and a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, while absorbing carbon dioxide. http://www.petroalgae.com Unlike most soy products, PetroAlgae protein is not produced from genetically modified (GMO) species; it is derived from renewable aquatic crops using no pesticides or heavy metals that would otherwise contaminate the products with residues. By using a local, non-GMO species, the PetroAlgae licensed technology preserves the ecological integrity of the areas that are farmed, and does not pollute soil or water. The studies were performed at the College of Agriculture at Indiana’s Purdue University, under the direction of Dr. Mario Ferruzzi; by Dr. Fadi Aramouni of the College of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University; and by independent laboratories such as Craft Technologies, Inc. Researchers at Purdue found the PetroAlgae protein to be rich in carotenoids, chlorophyll, antioxidants and other organic compounds of nutritional value. The PetroAlgae protein also contains high concentrations of lutein, a pigment which has demonstrated benefits for human eye, skin, and for cardiovascular health. It also exhibited promising polyphenol levels shown to have beneficial antioxidant effects that help prevent various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, and inflammation. These nutrients are normally obtained in the diet only through the consumption of fruits and green vegetables. In a separate series of tests, Craft Technologies, Inc., a leading testing laboratory that specializes in food and nutrient testing, assessed significant levels of Vitamins C, E, D and K in PetroAlgae’s Protein Concentrate. In addition, the vitamin E tested by Craft was found to contain high levels of alpha tocopherol, the strongest and best form of vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and accumulated in humans. The aim of Dr. Aramouni’s investigation at Kansas State was to examine the use of PetroAlgae’s protein in high volume foods such as noodles, tortillas, crackers, and smoothies. Their results indicated that PetroAlgae’s protein could be used for food fortification without having to change the way people prepare and eat food. As well, it could also address a valuable market for completely gluten free baked goods and pastas, according to the study. PetroAlgae protein was also shown to have other advantages. Earlier testing by Trilogy Analytical Laboratory in Washington, Missouri showed it is free of mycotoxins — a common problem in soy and other grains. Moreover, aquatic farms utilizing PetroAlgae’s hydroponic technology grow these new sources of protein locally using crops that are not genetically modified and are resistant to local diseases. In addition, PetroAlgae licensed technology has the capacity to produce ten times more protein per hectare than soy. This means the local production advantages of PetroAlgae’s technology and the continuous, year-round nature of its production process can create supply chain advantages for markets in Asia, Africa, and South America, all of which have a growing dependence on imported protein sources. It is also expected to be halal compliant and suitable for other special diets. PetroAlgae Inc., based in Melbourne, Florida, is a renewable energy company that licenses and deploys an innovative biomass production platform to address existing and growing unmet needs in the global energy and agriculture markets. For more information about PetroAlgae, please visit our website at http://www.petroalgae.com. SOURCE: PetroAlgae
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