IIT Guwahati Signs MoU for Low-Cost C-Phycocyanin Production; Check Details Here

IIT Guwahati has signed a Technology Transfer MoU to facilitate the production of C-Phycocyanin using a low-cost, high-yield technology.

IIT Guwahati Signs MoU for Low-Cost C-Phycocyanin Production

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. to enable the large-scale commercialisation of C-Phycocyanin production from Spirulina biomass. The agreement was formalized by Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati, and Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, in the presence of Prof. Debasish Das, the lead scientist behind the technology.

Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s commitment to developing cutting-edge biotechnologies, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “IIT Guwahati is committed to advancing research that creates real-world impact. This technology transfer marks a significant step in translating our innovations into industry-ready solutions. By addressing the challenges in sustainable biomanufacturing, we are paving the way for a stronger bioeconomy, contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance in biotechnology.”

C-Phycocyanin is a natural blue pigment extracted from Spirulina, a cyanobacterium that thrives on carbon dioxide and sunlight. It has a wide range of industrial applications, including:

• Natural Food Colorant: A sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes used in confectionery, ice cream, and beverages.
• Nutraceutical & Pharmaceutical Agent: Known for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties.
• Fluorescent Marker: Used in diagnostic applications for medical and research purposes.
• Cosmetic Ingredient: Supports skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
• Protein-Rich Feed Supplement: Enhances growth and disease resistance in aquaculture and poultry farming.

To overcome these challenges, researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a cost-effective, high-yield technology for extracting C-Phycocyanin while promoting environmental sustainability. By optimizing the entire process from cultivation to purification they have created an energy-efficient, time-saving, and more economical alternative to conventional methods.

The developed process integrates advanced upstream and downstream technologies to enhance both biomass yield and intracellular C-Phycocyanin concentration in Spirulina filaments. The extraction and purification method is entirely eco-friendly, eliminating the use of harmful solvents or chemicals. This innovative approach enables researchers to achieve near-total recovery of C-Phycocyanin from the cyanobacterium in a significantly shorter time, followed by a single-step purification process that ensures analytical-grade purity of the protein pigment.

Speaking about the technology transfer for the developed technology, Prof. Debasish Das, lead scientist behind the developed technology, and Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, said, "As innovators in bioprocess technology, we aim to tackle economic and technological bottlenecks that hinder the full potential of microalgae-derived products. Our technology ensures that high-purity C-Phycocyanin is affordable and accessible, allowing industries to transition from synthetic additives to natural, sustainable alternatives. This is the first time an indigenously developed phycocyanin technology is being transferred to an Indian company, marking a significant milestone in the country’s biotechnology sector."

Speaking about the collaboration with IIT Guwahati, Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd, said, “IIT Guwahati’s advanced upstream and downstream processing technology addresses key challenges in C-Phycocyanin production, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. With its low-cost production, green and solvent-free extraction process, and high-yield output, this innovation holds immense potential across multiple industries. The rapid extraction and single-step purification make it commercially viable, while its Carbon Dioxide utilisation supports environmental sustainability. We look forward to leveraging this technology to drive innovation and create a significant impact in the biotechnology sector."

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