The market value of this type of algae is estimated at approximately 300 million dollars by 2015
The largest petroleum distillery company in Thailand and the second largest in Asia, signed these days, through its subsidiary PTT Chem, a collaboration agreement worth $350,000 with the Algae Biotechnology Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The agreement is aimed at the development of algae rich in fatty acids of the DGLA - Omega 6 type, a unique product developed in the laboratory by Dr. Ina Khozin and Prof. Zvi HaCohen. The agreement was signed by B.G. Negev Technologies, the university's technology commercialization company.
The omega-6 substance will be produced from a unique algae that was discovered in the laboratory and contains up to 15% DGLA. This substance has been proven to help the body in its fight against inflammatory processes. The inability to produce it naturally has been a barrier in the market until now, which will be removed with the success of the collaboration. The market value of this type of algae is estimated at approximately 300 million dollars by 2015.
The laboratory, led by Prof. Sami Bosiva, who is world-renowned in algae research, has more than 20 staff members including researchers, technicians and advanced degree research students.
