12 Economic Importance of Spirulina (With examples & FAQs)
Spirulina is a genus of blue-green algae that are commonly known as spirulina. It is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a group of photosynthetic bacteria that are capable of producing oxygen.
Spirulina is classified under the domain Bacteria, kingdom Eubacteria, phylum Cyanobacteria, order Oscillatoriales, and family Phormidiaceae. It is a unicellular, filamentous, and spiral-shaped organism that can grow in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Spirulina is known for its high nutritional value and has been used as a food source for centuries. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is often used as a dietary supplement. Additionally, spirulina has been studied for its potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.
Here are the 10 Economic Importance of Spirulina with Examples. Check These Out:
1. Spirulina as a Nutritional Supplement:
Spirulina is an excellent nutritional supplement for people of all ages because it is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
For vegetarians and vegans who might struggle to consume enough protein in their diets, it is very helpful. For those who are anaemic or have low iron levels, spirulina is also an useful source of iron.
Spirulina is thus being utilised more frequently in the supplement sector, and its market is anticipated to expand greatly over the next few years.
For instance, the global market for spirulina was estimated to be worth USD 465.6 million in 2020, and it is anticipated to increase to USD 784.4 million by 2027.
2. Spirulina in Aquaculture:
In aquaculture, spirulina is a widely used food source for shrimp and fish. It is abundant in amino acids and vital fatty acids, both of which are crucial for aquatic species to grow and develop.
Furthermore, carotenoids and phycocyanin, which can enhance the colour of fish and shrimp, can be found in spirulina.
Spirulina is consequently being utilised more frequently in the aquaculture sector, and its market is anticipated to expand dramatically over the next several years.
For instance, the global aquaculture spirulina market was estimated to be worth USD 99.1 million in 2020, and it is anticipated to grow to USD 180.9 million by 2027.
3. Spirulina in Biotechnology:
Spirulina is employed in biotechnology for a number of different uses as well. It is employed in the creation of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, which can lessen our dependency on fossil fuels.
The potential of spirulina as a source of bioactive substances, such as phycocyanin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, is also being investigated.
Spirulina is also being researched for its potential to serve as a feedstock for the manufacturing of high-value compounds like pigments and enzymes.
Spirulina is consequently gaining importance in the biotechnology sector, and its market is anticipated to expand dramatically over the next few years.
For instance, in 2020, the global Spirulina market for biotechnology was valued at USD 22.6 million, and it is expected to reach USD 36.8 million by 2027.
4. Spirulina in Food and Beverage Industry:
As a natural colourant and useful component, spirulina is employed in the food and beverage sector. It has pigments like phycocyanin, which can be utilised as a blue or green colouring in desserts like ice cream, yoghurt, and candy.
Spirulina is also being researched for its potential to act as an ingredient in foods like pasta and bread because it is rich in protein, fibre, and other crucial elements.
Spirulina is therefore becoming more and more significant in the food and beverage business, and its market is anticipated to expand dramatically over the next few years.
For instance, in 2020, the global Spirulina market for food and beverage was valued at USD 21.3 million, and it is expected to reach USD 33.8 million by 2027.
5. Spirulina in Cosmetics Industry:
Because of its advantages for skin, spirulina is utilised in the cosmetics business. It contains elements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, including polysaccharides, phycocyanin, and carotenoids.
Spirulina is therefore utilised in skincare goods like lotions, serums, and masks to enhance skin texture, lessen inflammation, and offer protection from the effects of the environment.
As spirulina includes nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth, it is also being investigated for its potential as a stimulant of hair growth.
Spirulina is therefore gaining importance in the cosmetics sector, and its market is anticipated to expand dramatically over the next few years.
For example, in 2020, the global Spirulina market for cosmetics was valued at USD 5.7 million, and it is expected to reach USD 8.8 million by 2027.
6. Spirulina in Agriculture Industry:
As a natural fertiliser and soil conditioner, spirulina is utilised in agriculture. It contains nutrients that are crucial for the growth and development of plants, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Furthermore, polysaccharides, which might enhance soil structure and water-holding ability, are present in spirulina.
Spirulina is consequently utilised in organic agricultural techniques to enhance the health of the soil and plant growth.
Spirulina is also being investigated for its potential as a biopesticide due to the presence of chemicals that can kill or repel insects and other pests.
Spirulina is consequently gaining importance in the agricultural sector, and its market is anticipated to expand dramatically over the next several years.
For instance, in 2020, the global Spirulina market for agriculture was valued at USD 2.2 million, and it is expected to reach USD 3.8 million by 2027.
7. Spirulina in Animal Feed Industry:
Animal feed manufacturers utilise spirulina as a natural feed supplement. It is a superior source of nourishment for fish and animals due to its high quantities of protein, vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Moreover, phycocyanin, a component in spirulina with immune-stimulating and antioxidant effects, can aid to enhance the health and performance of animals.
Spirulina is therefore used into the formulas of animal feed for fish, cows, pigs, and poultry.
In 2020, the market for spirulina used in animal feed was valued at USD 70.2 million, and by 2027, it is anticipated to grow to USD 110.1 million.
8. Spirulina in Healthcare Industry:
Because of its possible health benefits, spirulina is used in the medical field. It is a superior dietary supplement because of its high quantities of protein, vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Spirulina also has elements like phycocyanin, which are immune-stimulating and antioxidant substances that can help maintain health and fend against disease.
Spirulina is already being used to create novel functional foods and dietary supplements for the healthcare sector.
In 2020, the market for spirulina in healthcare was valued at USD 20.6 million, and by 2027, it is anticipated to grow to USD 33.2 million.
9. Spirulina in Water Treatment Industry:
Spirulina’s capacity to remove contaminants from wastewater has made it useful in the water treatment sector.
It has a lot of polysaccharides, which act as a natural flocculant to help clear water of heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants. In addition, phycocyanin, a chemical found in spirulina, has antioxidant characteristics that can lessen the toxicity of contaminants in water.
Spirulina is therefore being investigated for its potential as a sustainable and economical water treatment technique.
In 2020, the market for Spirulina used in water treatment was valued at USD 1.7 million, and by 2027, it is anticipated to grow to USD 2.8 million.
10. Spirulina in the Sports Nutrition Industry:
Due to its ability to enhance athletic performance and recuperation, spirulina is employed in the sports nutrition sector.
It is rich in protein, essential amino acids, and other elements that are vital for repairing and growing muscles. Moreover, phycocyanin, a chemical found in spirulina, has anti-inflammatory qualities that may aid to lessen muscle discomfort and speed up recovery.
Spirulina is now being utilised in the creation of fresh sports nutrition goods like protein powders and energy bars.
In 2020, the global Spirulina market for sports nutrition was estimated to be worth USD 18.9 million, and by 2027, it is anticipated to be worth USD 30.5 million.
11. Spirulina in Environmental Industry:
Because of its potential to lower carbon dioxide emissions and counteract climate change, spirulina is employed in the environmental sector.
It is a type of photosynthetic microbe that can take atmospheric carbon dioxide and turn it into biomass.
Spirulina can also be grown utilising wastewater or other nutrient-rich water sources, which can lessen the negative environmental effects of conventional agricultural operations.
Spirulina is being investigated for its potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly technique of carbon capture and bioenergy production as a result.
At USD 0.5 million in 2020, the global Spirulina market for environmental applications is projected to grow to USD 0.9 million by 2027.
12. Spirulina in Energy Industry:
Because of its high lipid and carbohydrate content, spirulina is being researched for its potential as a biofuel source.
Spirulina can generate large amounts of biofuel by removing lipids from its cells, according to research.
Spirulina has generated interest as a sustainable substitute for conventional fossil fuels as a result of this.
The creation of biodiesel is one application of spirulina in the energy sector. Spirulina can produce lipids that can be recovered and transformed into biodiesel, accounting for up to 50% of its total biomass.
Spirulina-derived biodiesel can be utilised in diesel engines without modifying them because it is a renewable fuel source. Using Spirulina biodiesel can lessen reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
The creation of biogas is another application of spirulina in the energy sector. Anaerobic digestion, a procedure that generates biogas as a byproduct, can use spirulina as a feedstock.
Spirulina-derived biogas is a renewable fuel that can be utilised for heating, electricity production, and transportation.
Using Spirulina biogas can lessen the negative effects that conventional fossil fuels have on the environment and encourage the usage of alternative energy sources.
FAQs about the Importance of Spirulina
1. What is Spirulina and why is it important?
A form of blue-green algae called spirulina is full of nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is significant because it may be utilised in a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and because it offers a wide range of health benefits.
2. What are the health benefits of Spirulina?
Spirulina has been demonstrated to enhance immunological function, lessen inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels among other health advantages. It has also been researched for its potential as a complementary therapy for a number of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and allergies.
3. Can Spirulina be used as a food source?
Spirulina is indeed utilised as a food source and is frequently used as a supplement. To boost the nutritional content of smoothies, juices, and other foods, it can be added.
4. How is Spirulina used in cosmetics?
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, spirulina is utilised in cosmetics. It is frequently present in skincare products such serums, moisturisers, and face masks.
5. What is the economic importance of Spirulina?
Due to its application in a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, spirulina is significant economically. Moreover, its potential for application in water treatment and as a source of biofuel is being researched.
6. Can Spirulina be cultivated?
Spirulina can be grown on a huge scale in industrial facilities, yes. It is often farmed in closed systems with artificial illumination or in open ponds with nutrient-rich effluent.
7. Is Spirulina sustainable?
Because it can be cultivated using nutrient-rich wastewater and needs little freshwater or arable land, spirulina is regarded as a sustainable crop. Moreover, it grows quickly, enabling quick production.
8. How is Spirulina harvested?
By filtering it out of the water in which it is cultivated, spirulina is harvested. After being gathered, spirulina is dried and used to make a variety of goods, including supplements, food additives, and cosmetics.
9. Are there any risks associated with consuming Spirulina?
Despite the fact that spirulina is usually regarded as being safe, there have been instances of negative side effects including nausea, upset stomach, and allergic responses. In order to prevent potential contamination with heavy metals or toxins, it is also crucial to make sure that the spirulina is purchased from a reliable provider.
10. Is Spirulina regulated by the government?
Similar to how pharmaceutical medications are regulated by the government, spirulina is not. Nonetheless, some nations have set standards for the security and excellence of Spirulina goods. To assure the safety and quality of Spirulina products, it is crucial to examine the labelling and sourcing.