Chlorella is a single-cell, blue-green freshwater algae with a rich colour due to its high concentration of chlorophyll. There are 30 different species of chlorella, with the most researched being chlorella vulgaris. Typically consumed as either a powder or in tablet form, you can find chlorella in health food stores.
- Genus and Species: Chlorella sp. Optimal Medium: Alga-Gro(R) Freshwater Optimal Temperature: 22 C Optimal Light: High (200 to 400 foot-candles) Motility: None Classification: Green Algae
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Chlorella contains larger amounts of folate and iron than other plant-derived foods. Chlorella supplementation to mammals, including humans, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic activities.
Specifically, several studies have shown that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol ,
Chlorella has caused serious allergic reactions, including asthma and other dangerous breathing problems. Chlorella can cause skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned.
Chlorella also can detoxify pollutants & chemical toxins, such as dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs are chemical compounds used in plastics, insulation, and flame retardants, with the potential to cause cancer and liver damage).
- Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with CHLORELLA. Chlorella contains large amounts of vitamin K. …
- Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with CHLORELLA. Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
To prepare Chlorella, a type of green algae, it’s typically harvested from culture, washed, and then dehydrated or processed into powder form. The culture medium is usually centrifuged to separate the Chlorella cells, which are then washed, dehydrated, and potentially heat-sterilized, according to Chlorella Industry Co,
More preferably, when the chlorella is cultured in a sterile apparatus, the green algae absorbs the carbon source under light conditions; when the pH value of the mixed culture liquid is less than 6.8, the stirring is stopped while maintaining the The mixed culture solution is in a static suspension state
Detailed Preparation Steps:
- 1. Culturing:Chlorella is grown in a nutrient-rich medium, often in large pools or flasks, under controlled conditions like temperature, light, and agitation.
- 2. Harvesting:Once the Chlorella reaches a certain concentration, it’s harvested, often through filtration or centrifugation, to remove foreign substances.
- 3. Washing:The harvested Chlorella is washed repeatedly with water to remove any remaining impurities.
- 4. Dehydration:The washed Chlorella is then dehydrated to concentrate the cells.
- 5. Processing (optional):Chlorella can be processed into different forms like powder or tablets.
- 6. Heat Sterilization (optional):The concentrated Chlorella may be heat-sterilized to ensure safety and shelf life.
- 7. Nutrient Enhancement (optional):Some preparations involve adding nutrients, like nanoparticles, to enhance growth and lipid accumulation, particularly for biodiesel production.
- 8. Powder Milling (optional):For Chlorella powder, the cells are milled to break down the cell walls, making the nutrients more accessible for digestion,
Additional Considerations:
- Agar Slopes:Chlorella can be stored on agar slopes for future use and inoculation,
- Allergen Extracts:Specific techniques like ultrasonication can be used to extract allergens from Chlorella.
- Use in Polymer Composites:Chlorella can be incorporated into polymer composites, like styrene-butadiene rubber,
- Activated Carbon:Dried Chlorella residue can be used as a precursor for producing activated carbon,
The culture medium is centrifuged, chlorella cells are washed repeatedly with water, which are then dehydrated. The harvested cells are turned into a concentrated suspension. The chlorella concentrate is passed through a plate heater for heat sterilization treatment.