Novel Dunaliella salina and uses thereof

Non-GMO microalgae for producing lutein and zeaxanthin using native Korean Dunaliella salina capable of seawater cultivation

This technology features the native Korean microalgae strain Dunaliella salina OH214, which is capable of producing lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as compositions containing this strain or its cultures. It also includes methods for producing pigments such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, as well as methods for producing food and feed ingredients.

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the retina from blue light and reactive oxygen species in the macula, but animals cannot synthesize them and must obtain them through diet. Marigold flowers, the primary source, are expensive due to long breeding times and low yields per cultivation area. Pigments from bacteria or genetically modified microalgae face market resistance due to GMO concerns or unsuitability as food additives, and existing microalgae have limited lutein production capacity.

This technology utilizes a native strain isolated and identified without genetic modification, offering superior lutein production compared to existing Dunaliella salina while also producing beta-carotene. Its salt tolerance allows for the use of seawater as a culture medium. The compositions are used for oral administration, food, food additives, and feed, targeting eye health such as preventing macular degeneration, improving retinal damage, and preventing vision loss. It can be applied to lutein health supplements, feed additives for aquaculture and poultry, and natural yellow food pigments, leveraging Korea's coastal geography to supply non-GMO macular pigments with low energy consumption.

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Key Features:

• Dunaliella salina OH214, deposited under accession number KCTC 14434BP, with the ability to produce lutein and zeaxanthin
• Compositions for oral administration, feed, food, or food additives containing Dunaliella salina OH214 and its cultures
• Compositions containing Dunaliella salina OH214 for preventing or improving macular degeneration, improving retinal damage, and preventing vision loss
• Steps for culturing Dunaliella salina OH214 and extracting one or more pigments including lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene from the culture

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research on developing microalgae for the production of functional terpenoids.

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