Products from Algae

What is Algae?

Algae are weeds that are autotrophic in nature. This seaweed exists in both, multicellular and unicellular forms. The term 'algae' means 'seaweed' in Latin. This plant has been prominently been used for various purposes in many Southeast Asian countries. Modern technology has also made the derivation of many different substances from algae possible. Like most other plants, there are multiple uses of algae. Some of the prominent uses are listed below.

Products from Algae:

Agar
Agar, a substance made from algae, is gelatinous in nature. It is an ingredient in many different Japanese desserts. The Japanese red bean jelly, called Mizuyōkan, is made from agar, and is a very popular delicacy. Agar is commercially produced with the help of Gelidium amansii - a species of red algae. Agar is used very commonly as a laxative, and has also been used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Sometimes, it is also used as a soup thickener. In Southeast Asia, agar is commonly used in jellies, ice creams and deserts. It is also used as a industrial clarifying agent for brewing and paper sizing fabrics.

Alginic Acid
Another very useful form of algae is alginic acid. Alginic acid is a viscous, gum-like substance, derived from algae. It is used as an additive in dehydrated products. It is also a very important ingredient in the manufacturing of papers and textiles. As it possess most of the properties of gum, it is also used in the water-proofing and fire-proofing industry. It is especially helpful in making fabrics that are fire and water resistant. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the manufacture of Gaviscon, Asilone, Bisodol etc. It is used as a mold making material in life casting, prosthetics and dentistry. Like most of the forms or products of algae, alginic acid is used extensively in the food processing industry as an ingredient of soups and jellies.

Carrageenan
The carrageenan is also one of the substances that has been derived from the the red algae, found near the Irish coastline. Like many algae products, it is used as an ingredient in food products such as ice creams, milkshakes, and sauces, to increase the viscosity of the delicacy. In many parts of Europe, local beer and alcoholic drink manufacturers use carrageenan as a protein remover. Manufacturers of processed and canned meats use it as a substitute for fats. The presence of carrageenan also increases the water retaining capacity of meat products. Apart from that, carrageenan has a wide range of uses. It is prominently used in shampoos, tooth paste, diet sodas, pet food and soy milk.

Fuels from Algae
The energy crisis that hit the world in the recent decades has triggered off the race for invention of effective as well as cheap biofuels. Algae oleum is one of the 3rd generation biofuel that has been derived from algae. The concept of algae culture or algae farming has been derived as a result, and many forms of algae fuels like cooking oil, biodiesel, bioethanol, biogasoline, etc. are in the process of development.

Algae is one of the best example of putting eco-friendly resources to use, as none of the products derived from algae are considered to be pollutants. On the up side, many products of algae can be used to curb pollution. Algae can also be used to treat sewage, and is an excellent alternative for chemical fertilizers. It can also be used to curb and arrest the toxic chemicals that are present in water bodies. Algae is also the ideal substitute for chemical dyes and pigments. In many industries, algae bioreactors are used to curb the emission of carbon and carbon compounds.