Domestic Biomass¶
Cultivating microalgae in our home gives you infinite sustainable possibilities but above all, it is an opportunity to improve your health and eating habits.
Alimentation¶
Spirulina It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Here some ways that can benefit your nutrition:
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High in Protein: Spirulina is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, which means it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs!!. This makes it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diet.
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Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Spirulina is a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Helps to prevent a range of health problems.
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Antioxidant Properties: Range of antioxidants, including phycocyanin and beta-carotene, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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Potential Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for a range of health conditions, including allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
The intention is to cultivate in the way you can used it like a supplement form, making it easy to add to your daily routine. It can also be added to smoothies, juices, or sprinkled on top of salads or other dishes.
Nowadays¶
Today, there are a multitude of brands and companies working with spirulina as a food resource.
Because of its high concentration of nutrients and its ability to grow in extreme conditions, spirulina has been considered as a possible food for astronauts on long-duration space missions.
In fact, NASA has conducted studies on the use of spirulina as a food source in space. In addition to its usefulness as a food source, spirulina has also been investigated as a possible source of oxygen in extraterrestrial environments, as it produces large amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis.
Cosmetics¶
Spirulina¶
Yes, microalgae can be used in cosmetics. Microalgae are tiny aquatic organisms that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. They have many beneficial properties for the skin, such as moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Some of the microalgae that are commonly used in cosmetics include spirulina, chlorella, and Dunaliella salina. These microalgae are often incorporated into skincare products such as face masks, serums, and creams.
Spirulina, for example, is known for its high concentration of vitamins and minerals, and is often used in skincare products to nourish and revitalize the skin. Chlorella is known for its ability to detoxify and purify the skin, while Dunaliella salina is known for its anti-oxidant properties.
Microalgae can also be used in hair care products, as they can help to strengthen and nourish the hair. Overall, microalgae are a popular ingredient in cosmetics due to their many beneficial properties for the skin and hair.
Fermentation¶
Fermentation is a natural process involving the use of microorganisms to convert nutrients into useful materials.
Bacterial cellulose is another material that is produced by bacterial fermentation and is used in the manufacture of biomedical products such as wound patches, implants and tissue regeneration products due to its biocompatible and biodegradable properties.
For example, hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is produced by bacterial fermentation and is used in the manufacture of gels and skin care products due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Biomaterials¶
In recent years, researchers have been exploring the use of Spirulina biomass in the production of biomaterials. For example, Spirulina has been used as a feedstock for the production of bioplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are a type of biodegradable polymer that can be used as an alternative to traditional plastics.
Overall, biomass has great potential for the production of biomaterials due to its abundance, sustainability, and unique properties.
Here I show you my first prototypes of biomaterials. I have experimented with fresh spirulina mixed with organic waste and bacterial cellulose to give rigidity to the material.
Making Materials¶
Here some tables with the quantities I have used to make different materials.
| Hard Materials | Flexible Material | Cellulose Paper | Cellulose Resin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml of cellulose | 30g Gelatin | 200ml Cellulose | 50g Skoby |
| 60g of Gelatin | 20ml Glicerine | 30g Spirulina | 30g Gelatin |
| 10ml of spirulina | 2ml Spirulina | 5ml Glicerine | 3.5ml Glicerine |
| 40g of walnut shells | 350ml Water | 200ml Water | |
| 8ml of gicerine | |||
| 200ml Water |
Note that different factors alter the product. It is a matter of experimenting with your own tools and residues until you begin to know the reactions of each.
The market¶
I keep repeating myself, but nowadays the cosmetic and food market is constantly working with micro and macroalgae for all the positive properties they give to the skin and to our organism.