(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists have used the microalgae Chromochloris zofingiensis to develop a healthier and more sustainable alternative to palm oil.
Palm oil is not particularly beneficial for both the human body and the environment. Fortunately, algae will help replace it.
Unfortunately, in order to grow palm trees, from the fruits of which oil is obtained, large areas of tropical forests are cut down and cleared on an ongoing basis.
In addition, although this oil does not contain cholesterol and has some positive effects on the health of the body, it contains 52 percent saturated fat.
This is high enough to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide today.
To deal with this problem, scientists from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and the University of Malaya Malaysia decided to try using a microalgae of the species Chromochloris zofingiensis .
How to get algae oil
In their work, the scientists added pyruvic acid, an organic acid present in all living cells, to a solution consisting of microalgae and a liquid nutrient medium. The mixture was then exposed to ultraviolet light to stimulate photosynthesis.
After 14 days, the algae were removed, washed, dried and then treated with methanol. The final treatment was required in order to break the bonds between the algae proteins and the oils produced by these proteins during photosynthesis.
The harvested oil is said to have similar qualities to palm oil, although it contains significantly fewer saturated fatty acids and a higher percentage of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.
In the current version of the technology, 160 grams of algae are required to produce a 100 gram butter chocolate bar. We hope that this process will become even more efficient in the future.
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