Summary

Microalgae, being the most potent natural source of carotenoids, have gained interest as a renewable feedstock for industrial scale carotenoid production. The geographical location of Sri Lanka is ideal for microalgal carotenoid production due to the absence of major seasonal variations and abundance of sunlight throughout the year. However, lack of research on microalgae cultivation in Sri Lanka is a barrier to development of industrial scale production facilities. In the
study, a pilot-scale hybrid microalgae cultivation system will be developed to address this gap in scientific research and
evaluate the potential for carotenoid production in the country.
Successful completion of the project activities would be vital to encourage private or state-owned]
nutraceutical/pharmaceutical companies to invest in the development of microalgae-based industries in Sri Lanka. Locally
manufactured microalgae-based carotenoids have the potential to be competitive in the global market due to relatively low
labor and land costs, low resource requirement and favorable climatic conditions. Owing to the rapidly growing nature of
the lucrative carotenoid market, establishment of bio-based industries in the country would undoubtedly have a positive
impact on the Sri Lankan economy by increasing the export revenue of the country, creating job opportunities, enhancing
the skilled workforce in the country and bringing forth foreign investments

Objectives

1. Design and development of hybrid photobioreactor systems for cultivation of selected
microalgal strains
2. Determination of biomass and carotenoid productivity of hybrid cultivation systems
3. Identification of potential biorefinery routes for residual microalgal biomass
4. Evaluation of technoeconomic feasibility of microalgae cultivation in hybrid systems to produce
carotenoids under Sri Lankan climatic conditions

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant