Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment
Preparation of molecular biology grade agarose from Indian agarophyte with backward integration of farming
Application/Uses/Problem being addressed
Till date, India mainly depens on the imported expensive (Rs.30,000-3,00,000/kg) agarose products. Given the rapid growth of the biotech Sector, demand for agarose is likely to increase substantially. There is a need for a low cost high quality product in India.
Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact
Gracilaria dura, a marine red alga, occurring sparsely in Indian waters, has been demonstrated to be cultivable in South east and west coast of India. A cost effective process was developed to obtain high quality agarose from this seaweed without involving any purification of agar done conventionally or involving any energy intensive freezing thawing process done conventionally to purify agar
Cultivation: On Bamboo raft; Peak period: November to April
Preparation of agarose: Through an energy-efficient room temperature isolation process that dispenses with the need for “freeze-thaw” cycles
The yield of agarose is ca. 10% (based on dried alga quality as obtained from the field). Production cost is significantly low (₹5000-7000/kg) compared to imported products (price of similar grade agarose available in the market is ca. ₹30,000 to Rs 300,000/- per kg)
TRL Level & Scale of Development:
Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.):
India import reasonable quantity of agarose that involves foreign exchange exchequer. This indigenous technology has been transferred to an industry for commercial production in India & revenue opportunity potential of licensee (in the near term) ~1 crore (if production is started with suitable raw materials).
Environmental Considerations:
This process is eco-friendly
Status of Licensing:
Ready for licensingStatus of Commercialization:
Not yet commercializedMajor Raw Materials Needed
Red seaweeds (Gracilaria dura)
Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required
Reactor (pressure vessel); Centrifuge; Filter Press; Mechanical Grinder; Evaporator; Boiler; Pumps.
Techno-Economics
Tentative Price:
Raw material Seaweed: ₹100 - 120 /kg
Agarose production cost: ₹5000-7000/kg
Technology Package
Demonstration of cultivation of Gracilaria dura and training with at least two Bamboo rafts. Demonstration of production of Agarose @ 2 Kg seaweed/batch. Demonstration certificate will be provided. Technology transfer document (TTD) having information on product specification, competition, market, details of equipment required for pilot level installation etc. will be provided. Technical support till 6 months after know-how licensing. Appropriate discount in license fee for small scale industries/startup will be provided. Cost of Technology know how will be provided on request.
