Marine organisms provide over 28,500 bioactive compounds, but their scarcity and overexploitation threaten sustainability. Blue Biotechnology leverages synthetic biology to create unique products, preserving marine ecosystems while meeting global demand.
Marine organisms, in particular, serve as a significant reservoir of bioactive compounds, with Marine Natural Products (MNPs) exceeding 28,500 identified compounds by 2016. MNPs, prized for their diverse chemical structures and often possessing health promoting properties, are subject to increasing demand. However, MNPs are typically found in small amounts in their natural hosts, which prevents their sustainable exploitation from marine resources.
The overexploitation of marine ecosystems poses grave threats, jeopardizing biodiversity and ecological balance. It leads to the depletion of fish stocks, loss of habitats, and disruption of marine food chains. Additionally, it undermines the livelihoods of millions dependent on marine resources and exacerbates global environmental challenges.
The Blue Biotechnology sector can harness synthetic biology to develop unique products that are either scarce in nature or cannot be produced or sourced in sustainable ways.
Heavy metal accumulation is a significant problem in modern society due to its toxic effects on human health and the environment. Metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can accumulate in the food chain, primarily through industrial activities, pollution, and improper waste disposal. Once ingested or absorbed, these metals can build up in human tissues, causing a range of serious health issues, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and respiratory problems. Additionally, heavy metals persist in ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and contaminating water and soil, which further exacerbates the issue of environmental degradation.
Certain fish and marine organisms produce substances known as chelating agents, which bind to heavy metals. These agents help reduce toxicity and prevent the accumulation of harmful levels of heavy metals in tissues. They are usually very difficult to source and produce.
Chrysea has developed an innovative technology platform that enables the large-scale, cost-efficient biosynthetic production of some of these products, uniquely present in certain marine species. Their applications extend beyond antioxidant supplements for detoxification, healthy aging, and immune support. These natural chelators hold promise for inspiring the creation of more effective supplements to combat oxidative stress and heavy metal accumulation. Additionally, they have established uses in fields such as toxin reduction in aquaculture, food preservation, feeds for healthier animal health.