Development of novel methodology for the monitoring of astaxanthin production for Myera Group

The market for health food supplements is a large and growing sector of the Canadian economy. The biotechnology that underpins this industry requires a close collaboration between private industry and academic researchers. The development of supplements that target specific health effects is a significant driving force behind the investigation of new products. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid which is derived from beta-carotene, has been investigated for a wide range of positive health benefits. Myera Group (which includes Myera Fuel) is developing a biotechnological process for the production of astaxanthin as a commercial product from fermentation cultures of a microorganism. This proposal describes a project where the Sorensen research lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba will develop novel methodology for the determination of astaxanthin content (among other carotenoids) in the fermentation cultures. This is an essential process that Myera Group cannot easily develop on their own and for which the Sorensen group has existing
expertise.

Faculty Supervisor:

John Sorensen

Student:

Partner:

Myera Nu-Agri-Nomics Group Canada Inc

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: