Viability study on real-time monitoring of healthy omega-3 production in micro-algae

EPA and DHA. are essential fatty acids that humans need to live. Currently, they are usually obtained through fish oil, either from supplement or directly from oily fish. Unfortunately, fish farming is not sustainable and there is gathering interest in sourcing fatty acids from algae cells. The problem with algae growth comes from the varying lipid production per batch. Mid-production analysis is done on freeze dried samples after some time has passed, and fatty acid content cannot be measured until after the batch is complete. A real-time, on-line monitoring tool would greatly aid in algae production. Seven analytical techniques have been compared with Raman spectroscopy chosen as the most viable option to monitor omega-3 production in micro-algae.

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