High value products

Abstract: Several microalgae, such as species ofChlorella, Spirulina andDunaliella, are grown commercially and algal products such as β-carotene and phycocyanin are available. The main focus of algal biotechnology continues to be on high value fine chemicals and on algae for use as aquaculture feeds. This paper provides the outline for a rational approach in evaluating which algae and which algal products are the most likely to be commercially viable. This approach involves some simple market analysis followed by economic modelling of the whole production process. It also permits an evaluation of which steps in the production process have the greatest effect on the final production cost of the alga or algal product, thus providing a guide as to what area the research and development effort should be directed to. An example of this approach is presented and compared with other models. The base model used here gives a production cost of microalgal biomass at about AS 14 to 15 kg−1, excluding the costs of further processing, packaging and marketing. The model also shows that some of the key factors in microalgal production are productivity, labor costs and harvesting costs. Given the existing technology, high value products such as carotenoids and algal biomass for aquaculture feeds have the greatest commercial potential in the short term.

Abstract: The fruit processing industries are experiencing surge due to the increasing demand of food products as a result of burgeoning human population. Apple and apple products are one of the major fruit and fruit products consumed all over the world. Apple processing industries generate huge quantities of solid and liquid sludge wastes. The solid residues consist of a mixture of skin, pulp and seeds derived from the production of concentrated apple juice, jam, and sweets and are collectively known as ‘apple pomace’. Being highly biodegradable, the disposal of these wastes represents a serious environmental problem and presents many challenges. Often only 20% is retrieved as animal feed and the rest 80% goes to landfill, is incinerated or is sent to composting sites which results in release of greenhouse gases. However, advancement in technology has led to the alternative options of utilization of apple pomace. It can be used as a promising raw material for direct extraction of bioactive compounds and bioproduction of high value-added products, such as enzymes, organic acids, biofuels, among other products. This article reviews the work done for value-addition of this precious biomass which can help in setting up integrated process in the existing apple industries itself or separate small scale industries.