Overview
The TDB of the DST has approved funding for M/s K. N. Biosciences (India) Private Limited, Hyderabad to set up a commercial plant for producing C‑Phycocyanin using Spirulina. The project aims to replace imports of natural colourants and create a domestic value chain for high‑value bio‑products.
Key Developments
- Financial assistance granted to K. N. Biosciences for a commercial‑scale production unit.
- Technology, developed at IIT Guwahati, transferred through a formal Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.
- Process integrates photoautotrophic cultivation of Spirulina with a green, solvent‑free extraction and single‑step purification, yielding food‑grade and analytical‑grade C‑Phycocyanin as a stable water‑soluble powder.
- Project aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the broader bioeconomy strategy.
Important Facts
The indigenous Spirulina strain NCIM 5143 is used as a cell factory. Controlled light and nutrient conditions enable high‑density biomass, rich in phycocyanin. The downstream process avoids hazardous chemicals, reducing environmental impact and processing complexity. The final product meets international standards for purity, opening export opportunities.
By establishing a domestic production line, India expects to achieve import substitution for natural blue pigments, add value to algal biotechnology, and strengthen its position in global markets for natural ingredients and nutraceuticals.
Exam Relevance
This initiative touches upon several UPSC topics: the role of public funding agencies like TDB in translating research into industry; the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive; and the growth of the bioeconomy. Understanding such technology‑driven self‑reliance helps answer questions on industrial policy, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation ecosystems.
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the government should:
- Facilitate further R&D in algal biotechnology across institutes.
- Provide market‑linkage support for domestic producers to access global supply chains.
- Encourage adoption of green extraction methods in other bio‑product sectors.
- Monitor export performance to assess the success of import substitution.
Continued public‑private collaboration will be key to building a robust, sustainable bio‑manufacturing ecosystem in India.