Process for the heterotrophic production of microbial products with high concentrations of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids
AssigneePhycotech, Inc.
InventorWilliam R. Barclay
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Claims10
A food product, comprising:
- a) microorganisms selected from the group consisting of microorganisms of the genus Thraustochytrium, microorganisms of the genus Schizochytrium and mixtures thereof, wherein said microorganisms are capable of effectively producing omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid under conditions comprising:
- i) salinity levels less than salinity levels found in seawater;
- and
- ii) a temperature of at least about 15.degree. C.;
- and
- b) food material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.