Microalgae: From Green Fuel to Medical Breakthroughs
- Algeo
- Jun 9, 2023
- 2 min read
June, 2023
The article by Hong Jiaxi, published in the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of microalgae and its remarkable applications in medical advancements.
The article sheds light on Pan Yingxi's visionary work, highlighting his experience at Pfizer and his subsequent exploration of microalgae's diverse possibilities.
Pan Yingxi's breakthrough realization that microalgae could be transformed into biodiesel initially sparked his interest. However, with the rise of shale gas and electric vehicles, the future of biodiesel became uncertain. This prompted Pan Yingxi to delve deeper into the potential of microalgae and its myriad of uses.
In the article, Pan Yingxi emphasizes the incredible versatility of microalgae, noting that this environmentally friendly plant contains various beneficial ingredients. He draws attention to the discovery of oil components found in sharks within a specific microalgae species known as 'BB.' Additionally, cultivated Porphyra algae were found to contain phycoerythrin, a substance that holds promise for the development of imaging agents.
The use of imaging agents is crucial in cancer screenings, as they enable medical professionals to detect and track the growth and spread of cancer cells through computer scanning. However, current imaging agents are expensive and may have side effects. Pan Yingxi envisions a future where microalgae-based imaging agents can significantly reduce costs and eliminate concerns about adverse effects.
One of the key advantages highlighted in the article is the short growth cycle of Porphyra coccus, a type of microalgae with strong fluorescence reactions. If successfully developed into an imaging agent, it could offer significantly higher sensitivity compared to traditional agents. This enhanced sensitivity would aid doctors in detecting lesions in early-stage cancer patients. Moreover, the low cytotoxicity of microalgae-based imaging agents could minimize potential side effects.
Despite the immense potential, there are challenges in cultivating microalgae. Factors such as weather, environment, and infection rates can significantly impact growth. Pan Yingxi underscores the importance of closed-environment cultivation to maintain ideal conditions and prevent contamination. To address dehydration and energy consumption concerns, Pan Yingxi's team developed the Jinding system. This system utilizes centrifugal force dehydration, reducing power consumption by up to 60%. It also incorporates automated controls and sensors to regulate temperature and humidity, reducing the need for human intervention and optimizing cultivation conditions.
The article concludes by highlighting the significance of microalgae in Hong Kong's focus on building green technology. Microalgae's potential not only lies in its ability to reduce carbon emissions but also in its untapped possibilities for medical advancements. The article offers an insightful glimpse into Pan Yingxi's ambitious plans to establish a research and development team in Thailand and conduct human trials, paving the way for the successful launch of microalgae-based imaging agents in the market.
Overall, the article paints a captivating picture of the exciting possibilities that microalgae holds for revolutionizing medical diagnostics and contributing to a greener future.
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