Extracts from spirulina, the blue-green algae widely consumed as a 'superfood', could be turned into a therapeutic treatment for Covid-19, the common cold, and a host of other viruses, following initial results from research conducted by ScotBio.
The Scottish biotech company is working with the University of Edinburgh, Robert Gordon University and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) to determine how waste molecules from spirulina can be extracted and used for their natural antiviral properties.
Spirulina is already used in the commercial production of a variety of products, including as a dietary supplement and for food colourants. ScotBio’s vertical farming of algae approach helps to recover valuable by-products, including plant-based proteins, while minimising waste.
By separating spirulina molecules into different chemical groups, the project has determined the most effective extracts with antiviral activity against coronaviruses, including various SARs-CoV-2 variants, common cold and influenza viruses.
This supports earlier studies which observed anti-HIV and anti-HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) activity in similar compounds. These initial results show that spirulina molecules are broad-acting, have little toxicity towards mammalian cells, and could potentially form the basis of effective treatments against emerging human and animal viral diseases.
Although antiviral agents are typically used for pharmaceuticals, they can also be added to products such as cosmetics to fight against viral transmission. ScotBio said that on the back of the project’s findings it is now looking at incorporating the molecule into various consumer products.
Dr Joe Palmer, product development manager at ScotBio, said: “Working with the project consortium has enabled us to fractionate spirulina into distinct chemical groups and then screen the extracts in a safe environment.
“Through that, we have identified compounds that could be particularly effective against a broad range of viruses from what was previously seen as waste - we can now work on recovering and purifying these molecules as high value ingredients.
“The next step for us is to better understand the market opportunities for these molecules and to fully resolve the relationship between molecule chemistry and their antiviral mechanisms,“ he explained, adding: “Our aim is for this project to be a catalyst that will unlock a large and untapped market, helping in the fight against common viruses and future pandemics.”
Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement and operations at the IBioIC, commented: “Previous studies on common viruses have shown that spirulina extracts can have many positive effects on the immune response to infection, and it is exciting to support ScotBio in taking this research even further.
“Our aim is to help companies grow by providing them with the support they need to apply their technologies to new areas.”
ScotBio has also become the latest business to move into new energy-efficient warehouses in Livingston.
The specialists in the indoor cultivation of algae and the production of algal-based products - including colourants and proteins - has agreed to a lease of a 10,282 sq ft and a further 3,579 sq.ft of space at Northwood Investors, Livingston Trade Park on Houston Road.
Located 15 miles from Edinburgh and 33 miles from Glasgow, local occupiers at the industrial estate currently include City Plumbing, KPD Delivery Service, Windows & Doors, ScrewFix, Toolstation, Tile Giant and Peffer Paints.
Paul Bready, chief financial officer at ScotBio, said the move was due to increased production requirements, adding: “As a green biotechnology company, we are extremely conscious of our carbon footprint, so we were pleased to find an energy efficient and high-quality option for our continued growth.”
Rhys Davies, associate director at JLL in Edinburgh, said: “With only two units left, we expect Livingston Trade Park will likely be fully let by the end of the first quarter.
“I believe we’ll see more businesses like ScotBio, as well as more traditional trade occupiers, making the move to Livingston to enjoy what is now established as a well located, high-quality and sustainable option for occupiers.”
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