IIT Guwahati has taken a major step in advancing biotechnology with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. This collaboration aims to commercialize a high-yield, cost-effective production process for C-Phycocyanin, a valuable natural blue pigment extracted from Spirulina biomass.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati, and Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, in the presence of Prof. Debasish Das, the lead scientist behind this pioneering technology.
This partnership marks a major milestone in sustainable biotechnology, addressing the challenges of high production costs and inefficiencies in C-Phycocyanin extraction, which have so far restricted its widespread adoption across multiple industries.
What is C-Phycocyanin and Why is it Important?
C-Phycocyanin is a high-value natural blue pigment found in Spirulina, a microalga rich in proteins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. The pigment has diverse applications, including:
- Food Industry: Used as a natural food colorant to replace synthetic dyes in candies, beverages, and dairy products.
- Nutraceuticals: Acts as a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for immune health.
- Biomedical Research: Functions as a fluorescent marker in diagnostics and imaging.
- Cosmetic Industry: Used in eco-friendly skincare and beauty products due to its natural pigmentation and antioxidant properties.
Despite its immense potential, C-Phycocyanin production has been costly and inefficient, limiting its commercial use. The new technology developed by IIT Guwahati addresses these challenges, making high-purity, sustainable production commercially viable.
Breakthrough Technology by IIT Guwahati
IIT Guwahati’s innovative extraction and purification process offers several advantages:
- Higher Yield: The technology enhances Spirulina biomass production and boosts the concentration of C-Phycocyanin in Spirulina filaments.
- Cost-Effective: It reduces energy consumption and operational expenses, making production economically viable.
- Eco-Friendly: The new solvent-free purification method eliminates harmful chemicals, ensuring green and sustainable processing.
- High Purity: The process achieves analytical-grade C-Phycocyanin in a single step, improving quality and efficiency.
This patented technology has been successfully tested at various scales, achieving a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, meaning it is ready for large-scale commercialization.
Prof. Debasish Das, the lead scientist behind the project, emphasized that this innovation will allow industries to shift from synthetic to natural additives, making high-purity C-Phycocyanin more accessible and affordable.
India’s First Indigenously Developed Phycocyanin Technology
This MoU marks the first-ever transfer of an indigenously developed phycocyanin technology to an Indian company, strengthening the biotechnology sector in India. The collaboration highlights the success of academia-industry partnerships, paving the way for future innovations.
Impact on India’s Bioeconomy and Global Market
The IIT Guwahati-K.N. Bioscience partnership aligns with India’s goal of fostering sustainable bio-manufacturing and reducing dependency on synthetic alternatives. Key benefits include:
- Boosting India’s Bioeconomy: Strengthens the country’s biotech sector, promoting research-driven economic growth.
- Job Creation and Skill Development: Opens up opportunities in microalgal biotechnology and sustainable product manufacturing.
- Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration: Encourages further joint research initiatives between Indian universities and private enterprises.
- Supporting Sustainable Development: Helps reduce environmental impact by promoting eco-friendly biotechnological advancements.
Sudha Reddy, Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, highlighted the affordability, scalability, and sustainability of this cutting-edge technology, emphasizing that it will revolutionize multiple industries, including food, healthcare, and cosmetics.
Future Prospects and Industry Adoption
With IIT Guwahati’s patented technology now ready for commercialization, the partnership with K.N. Bioscience is expected to drive rapid industry adoption. Some key areas of impact include:
- Food & Beverage Industry: Expanding the use of natural colorants in packaged food products.
- Pharmaceutical Sector: Developing C-Phycocyanin-based nutraceuticals for immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory applications.
- Biotechnology Research: Advancing research in fluorescent biomarkers and diagnostics.
- Sustainable Cosmetics: Promoting plant-based skincare formulations with natural pigments.
With the global market for natural pigments growing rapidly, India is poised to become a major exporter of sustainable bioproducts, thanks to innovations like this.
IIT Guwahati’s partnership with K.N. Bioscience marks a transformational shift in C-Phycocyanin production, making it more affordable, scalable, and sustainable. By integrating green technology with large-scale industry applications, this collaboration positions India as a leader in biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing.
With the patented process achieving high-yield, high-purity results, this innovation is set to redefine the market for natural blue pigments, opening doors for sustainable industry growth and global impact.
This milestone reaffirms IIT Guwahati’s leadership in microalgal biotechnology, setting a precedent for future academia-industry collaborations that contribute to India’s bioeconomy, sustainability, and technological progress.
