Euglena Co., Ltd., leveraging its expertise in mass algae cultivation, is pleased to announce the establishment of a production system for a new material, "Aurantiochytrium," and the commencement of its commercial production. This development marks a significant step in the exploration of Aurantiochytrium's potential across various applications, including food ingredient sales and contracted cultivation and production.

Based in Tokyo's Minato Ward and led by CEO Mitsuru Izumo, Euglena Co. has utilized its algae mass cultivation technology to construct a production system for Aurantiochytrium, a microalga rich in DHA and known for its seafood-like flavor. This achievement has enabled the start of commercial production in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, allowing the company to begin sales of food ingredients and offer contracted cultivation and production services for Aurantiochytrium and other labyrinthulomycetes upon request.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an essential fatty acid vital for human health that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet, primarily from fish and seafood.

Since its successful outdoor mass cultivation of Euglena for food use in 2005, the company has been utilizing microalgae, including Euglena, as raw materials for health care products such as food and cosmetics. It has also been advancing research and development for the use of microalgal oils as biofuel materials.

Aurantiochytrium, with its rich DHA content, offers a deep umami taste with a hint of saltiness, making it a promising plant-based alternative to seafood, especially in the context of increasing concerns for marine sustainability.

Euglena Co. has been exploring the practical application and social implementation of various algae as part of its commitment to solving societal issues. The establishment of a production system for Aurantiochytrium, leveraging the company's algae mass cultivation technology, is a testament to this ongoing effort.

The Aurantiochytrium produced by the company can be processed into a powder form, despite the technical challenges associated with its high lipid content. This process allows for the retention of heat-sensitive components without the need for heat sterilization, thanks to stringent hygiene management. The cultivation process is completely food-grade and free from animal-derived resources, with no use of any of the 28 specified allergenic ingredients in the production process.

Produced by Yaeyama Shokusan Co., Ltd. in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, the production capacity exceeds 10 tons per year. The product is characterized by its seafood-like flavor and is suitable for various food applications, including supplements, seasonings, and alternative seafood materials.

Aurantiochytrium belongs to the class of labyrinthulomycetes and was classified in 2007. It is found in marine and brackish waters around the world, including mangroves. It accumulates lipids, especially DHA, an essential unsaturated fatty acid. The DHA found in seafood is primarily derived from algae and microorganisms like Aurantiochytrium through the food chain, playing a crucial role in ecosystems and human diets. With growing concerns over the decline in aquatic resources due to population growth, aquaculture expansion, and climate change, Aurantiochytrium is seen as a sustainable source of DHA for food and aquaculture feed, as well as a potential biofuel source due to its efficient lipid production.

Despite ongoing research, many aspects of Aurantiochytrium remain to be explored. Euglena Co. is committed to furthering research and practical applications of Aurantiochytrium through open innovation, contributing to the health of both people and the planet.