Searching for the Best Algae
Finding the best algae for Biosuperfood Microalgae (BSF) required intense research which was done from 1973 to 1977 by Michael Kiriak and his team. More than one thousand different species of micro-algae were selected from all over the world. They were tested for their individual benefits as well as for their complimentary and synergistic combination potential. For example, over 65 strains of Spirulina alone were involved in experimentation. It was clear that not all were created equal!
Various blue, green, and red algae were also used, including the carotenoid-rich Dunaliella and Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus, selected for their superior antioxidant powers. Astaxanthin alone may carry up to 1,000 times the antioxidant power found in Vitamin E and up to 40 times more than that found in carrots.
Dr. Kiriac and his team rapidly achieved significant results using various concentrations of base algae, such as Spirulina and Dunaliella.
As was customary in the former USSR, research always began with laboratory mice and rats before proceeding to larger species like poultry, ducks, rabbits, pigs, and cattle. When research demonstrated to be safe, it proceeded to humans.
With mice and rats responses were rapid due to their natural extraordinary metabolic strength. It proved more difficult with the larger animals. The results, though promising, were not efficient or rapid enough to stir up the team. They knew that a breakthrough blend was necessary to help the larger animals.
Amazing Production with Bioreactors
In 1978, the first of many extraordinary incidents occurred which led to a significant advancement in the algae research and their growth technologies. One night, the lights in the hydroponic basin – known as the bioreactor, were left on by mistake, exposing the algae culture to light for a longer period of time. The next morning, the algae color had changed from its usual dark green to a new reddish tint – the color of beta-carotene. The algae had increased in beta-carotene content because of the overexposure. This simple discovery led to many more experiments applying various changes to the base environment; such as light exposure, temperature, turbulence, nutrients, and duration of exposures.
These experiments resulted in the controlled increase or decrease of various combinations of nutrients in the algae: alpha and beta-carotene, sodium, zinc, selenium and several beneficial vitamins and minerals now present today in BSF.
