IIT Guwahati transfers breakthrough low-cost C-Phycocyanin production technology to KN Bioscience

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 18, 2025

In a significant step toward sustainable biotechnology and commercialization, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. for the large-scale production of C-Phycocyanin (C-PC)—a valuable natural blue pigment derived from Spirulina.

The agreement was formalized between Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean of Research & Development, IIT Guwahati, and Sudha Reddy, Founder & Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, with Prof. Debasish Das, the lead scientist behind the technology, also in attendance.

Highlighting IIT Guwahati’s commitment to impactful research, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, stated, “This technology transfer is a milestone in translating our research into industry-ready solutions. By addressing challenges in sustainable biomanufacturing, we are strengthening India’s biotechnology sector and contributing to self-reliance in bio-based industries.”

C-Phycocyanin, a pigment-protein complex found in Spirulina, has diverse applications—as a natural food colourant, a nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits, and as a fluorescent marker in diagnostics. However, its widespread adoption has been hindered by high production costs and inefficient extraction processes.

To overcome these barriers, IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a breakthrough technology that enables cost-effective, high-yield extraction while ensuring environmental sustainability. This innovative approach optimizes biomass cultivation, enhances intracellular pigment concentration, and eliminates the use of harmful solvents during purification. The process significantly reduces production time, making large-scale phycocyanin extraction more commercially viable than ever before.

The technology has been successfully demonstrated in flask-level experiments, 5L fermenter trials, and 100L airlift flat-plate photobioreactors. Additionally, IIT Guwahati has secured a patent on its proprietary downstream process, ensuring maximum extraction and purification of C-Phycocyanin to analytical-grade standards. Currently, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) stands at 6, indicating its near-commercial feasibility.

Speaking on the significance of this development, Prof. Debasish Das, lead scientist and Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, emphasized:

“This is the first time an indigenously developed phycocyanin technology is being transferred to an Indian company. Our innovation ensures that high-purity C-Phycocyanin is affordable and accessible, encouraging industries to shift from synthetic additives to natural alternatives. This will play a crucial role in advancing India’s biotechnology sector.”

Currently, only a handful of Indian companies work with high-value microalgal products like phycocyanin and omega-3 oils. This collaboration is expected to catalyze industry growth, create jobs, and position India as a global leader in microalgal biotechnology.

Sudha Reddy, Founder & MD, K.N. Bioscience, praised IIT Guwahati’s cutting-edge upstream and downstream processing technologies, stating:

“This technology provides a cost-effective, scalable, and eco-friendly solution for phycocyanin production. Its solvent-free extraction process and rapid purification make it commercially viable across multiple industries. Furthermore, its carbon dioxide utilization aligns with environmental sustainability goals.”

This MoU sets a strong precedent for academia-industry partnerships that promote indigenous innovation, sustainable biomanufacturing, and economic growth. The collaboration aligns with India’s bioeconomy and startup ecosystem goals, paving the way for affordable, eco-friendly bio-products on a global scale.