Patent application title:

METHOD FOR THE EFFICIENT AND CONTINUOUS GROWTH AND HARVESTING OF NUTRIENT-RICH PHYTOPLANKTON AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Publication number:

US20150283188A1

Publication date:
Application number:

14/746,265

Filed date:

2015-06-22

Abstract:

Methods of growing and harvesting multiple species of phytoplankton are disclosed herein. The method generally includes four steps, namely: (1) collecting phytoplankton seawater containing multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton directly from a source of seawater; (2) adding nutrients to the phytoplankton seawater to proliferate the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton to a predetermined density; (3) separating the multiple species of naturally-occurring phytoplankton from the phytoplankton seawater to form a phytoplankton concentrate; and (4) collecting the phytoplankton concentrate such that the collected phytoplankton of the phytoplankton concentrate remain in a substantially intact cellular state.

Inventors:

Assignee:

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Classification:

A61K33/245 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Bismuth; Compounds thereof

A23V2002/00 »  CPC further

Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs

A61K36/02 »  CPC main

Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines Algae

A61Q19/00 »  CPC further

Preparations for care of the skin

A61K33/06 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients Aluminium, calcium or magnesium; Compounds thereof, e.g. clay

A61K33/36 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Arsenic; Compounds thereof

A61K33/24 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients Heavy metals; Compounds thereof

A61K33/22 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients Boron compounds

A61K33/34 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Copper; Compounds thereof

A61K33/26 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Iron; Compounds thereof

A61K33/32 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Manganese; Compounds thereof

A61K33/28 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Mercury; Compounds thereof

A61K33/42 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients Phosphorus; Compounds thereof

A61K33/38 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Silver; Compounds thereof

A61K33/00 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients

A61K33/30 »  CPC further

Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients; Heavy metals; Compounds thereof Zinc; Compounds thereof

A61K8/99 »  CPC further

Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing materials, or derivatives thereof of undetermined constitution from microorganisms other than algae or fungi, e.g. protozoa or bacteria

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE STATEMENT

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/603,239, filed Oct. 21, 2009, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/107,173, filed Oct. 21, 2008. The entire disclosures of both applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for collecting, continuously growing, and harvesting individual and polycultured species of phytoplankton for various applications, such as medicinal, nutriceutical, food processing, cosmetic, industrial, energy-related applications and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of harvesting Golden Brown Phytoplankton, in which the fatty acids and oils of the phytoplankton are substantially preserved in a whole and intact-state (i.e., not degraded by the current method), so as to provide improved products and additives for the use in the production of health-related products and bioenergy.

Brief Background of Spring Bloom Conditions and Phytoplankton

The phytoplankton (also known as microalgae) used in the presently disclosed process includes hundreds of species of photosynthetic, unicellular organisms belonging to the kingdom Protista. Phytoplanktons from a multitude of various taxonomic classes and orders flourish in temperate coastal waters, including, for example, the coastal waters bordering the province of British Columbia in Canada.

During the spring months, and especially during the late spring, phytoplankton proliferates at an accelerated rate in a process known as β€œspring bloom.” When the temperature of the seawater is relatively cool, i.e., during the winter months, water is circulated from the bottom of the water column to the top of the water column, which pushes nutrients from the depths of the ocean into the euphotic region of the ocean. The euphotic region refers to the portion of the ocean (approximately the upper 20 meters of the ocean) that receives enough sunlight to allow photosynthesis to occur. In the early spring, the euphotic region has an ample abundance of nutrients to provide for phytoplankton growth; however, due to an insufficient amount of light to provide for continual photosynthetic proliferation and constant nutrient mixing by the environment, phytoplankton typically does not rapidly grow during this period.

As the water begins to warm in the late spring, the warm, oxygen and nutrient rich water remains in the euphotic region because warm water is less dense and has a tendency to rise to the top of the water column. This results in stratification of the water column, creating a top layer of warm, nutrient-rich water, known as the epilimnion, to be formed in the euphotic region. During the stratification period, the phytoplankton are maintained in the epilimnion layer of the euphotic region, and, as a result of the high concentration of nutrients and adequate sunlight conditions, the population of phytoplankton grows at an exponential rate. In most cases, the phytoplankton will consume many, if not all, of the nutrients in a matter of several weeks or months.

As previously mentioned, phytoplankton includes hundreds of species of unicellular, photosynthetic organisms belonging to the taxonomic kingdom Protista. Within this kingdom, there are various classes and orders of phytoplankton that can be utilized in the presently disclosed invention. Examples of these various classes and orders of phytoplankton include: (1) class Bacillariophyceae, and, particularly, the orders Centrales and Pennales; (2) class Dinophyceae, and, particularly, the orders of Prorocentrales, Dinophysiales, Gymnodiniales, Peridiniales, Noctilucales, and Pyrocystales; (3) class Raphidophyceae; (4) class Prymnesiophyceae; (5) class Dictyophyceae; (6) class Euglenophyceae; (7) class Prasinophyceae; (8) class Cryptophyceae; (9) class Chrysophyceae; and (10) class Chlorophyceae.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method that mimics the optimal β€œspring bloom” conditions so as to provide continual and exponential growth of phytoplankton year-round, rather than only during the late spring and early summer months.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process by which the various classes and orders of phytoplankton are refined in such a way as to maintain the fatty acids and/or oils of the phytoplankton in a whole or intact state so as to provide a superior product for use in various industrial, medical, and biofuel applications. These and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the present invention.

There are a number of distinct advantages associated with creating a phytoplankton product in which the phytoplankton's fatty acids and/or oils are kept substantially whole and intact. Some of these advantages include: (1) keeping the oils intact allow for the precise separation of fatty acids which are extremely valuable for use in various supplements, foods, and biosynthetic greases and fuels; (2) keeping the oils intact by not rupturing the phytoplankton cells create a superior product for bio-energy as approximately 100% of the oils are present; and (3) less additives are used to create the refined phytoplankton product (i.e., there is no need for a lysing or rupturing agent, such as sodium hydroxide).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for producing a refined phytoplankton product in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As broadly shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a process 10 for producing a refined phytoplankton product, which includes the steps of collecting, growing, harvesting, and sewing so as to produce a refined phytoplankton product. The refined phytoplankton product produced in accordance with the present invention includes at least one phytoplankton product in which the constituent fatty acids and/or oils of the product are maintained in a substantially intact state, as opposed to being degraded into less functional or effective fragments.

The initial step in the process 10 encompasses collecting an effective amount of phytoplankton-containing seawater from an existing source of seawater 12 via a seawater intake system 14, wherein the phytoplankton are naturally occurring (i.e., not seeded or inoculated) within the phytoplankton-containing seawater. The existing source of seawater 12 is preferably an ocean, but it should be understood that the source of seawater 12 is not limited to an ocean and may be any body of water sufficient to supply an effective amount of phytoplankton-rich seawater. In addition, it should be readily understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that, while primarily described herein β€œseawater,” the method could be adapted to collect and harvest phytoplankton from sources of water that vary in salinity concentration, including, but not limited to, freshwater species of phytoplankton. Similarly, while primarily described herein as utilizing multiple tanks, it should be understood that the currently disclosed and claimed method can be accomplished in a single tank or similar structure.

The seawater containing phytoplankton (hereinafter referred to as β€œseawater”) is desirably passed through a filtering system 16 that prohibits larger pieces of algae (hereinafter referred to as β€œmacroalgae”) and organic materials larger than approximately four millimeters from entering the seawater intake system 14. It should be understood, however, that the filtering system may be altered so to accommodate larger or smaller sizes and amounts of macroalgae and other naturally occurring flora depending on the desired composition of the phytoplankton seawater and the seasonal changes associated with the source of seawater. Once the seawater has been collected by the seawater intake system 14, the seawater is stored in a storage facility 18, such as one or more temporary storage tanks. The seawater preferably remains in the storage facility 18 for a period of time of approximately 48 hours. However, it should be understood that the period of time that the seawater remains in the storage facility 18 may be adjusted to accommodate various growing requirements and conditions.

While in the storage facility 18, the seawater remains substantially deprived of external light and is aerated, such as with oxygen (O2) gas, via a roots-type blower (not shown) so that the gas is diffused throughout the seawater by air stones (not shown) thereby preventing the phytoplankton in the seawater from entering an anaerobic state. Roots-type blowers and air stones are well known in the art and no further discussion of these devices is believed to be warranted. In addition, depriving the phytoplankton of light significantly accelerates the growth rate of the phytoplankton, reducing the growth cycle from approximately 8-10 days down to approximately 4-6 days (an increase in growth times of ˜40%).

After the seawater has remained in the storage facility 18 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 48 hours), the seawater is transferred from the storage facility 18 via a conduit 20 into one or more starter tanks 22 where an effective amount of various nutrients are added to promote the rapid proliferation of the phytoplankton. Examples of nutrients which are used to promote the rapid proliferation of the phytoplankton include single compounds or combinations of: (1) phosphorous; (2) soluble potash; (3) boron; (4) chelated copper; (5) chelated iron; (6) chelated manganese; (7) molybdenum; (8) chelated zinc; (9) ethylenediamine; and (10) organic soluble fillers. Other compounds and combinations of compounds which are known in the art to be effective nutrients to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton can also be used, including, but not limited to, fish, human, and animal wastes. The phytoplankton can be optionally incubated within the starter tanks 22 for a predetermined period of time, for instance, up to seven days.

The starter tanks 22 can vary in volumetric size ranging from about 4 liters up to approximately 1,000,000 liters, with the size of the starter tanks 22 being selected for growing the phytoplankton in accordance with the season in which the phytoplankton is being grown. For instance, in the spring and summer, smaller starter tanks 22 are required to begin the growing process. Conversely, larger starter tanks 22 are required to initiate phytoplankton growth during the fall and winter months.

Following the addition of an effective amount of nutrients to the starter tanks 22 to stimulate phytoplankton growth, the seawater is again transferred via a conduit 24 to one or more grow-out tanks 26. Once within the grow-out tanks 26, the seawater is mixed with, for example, at least 750,000 liters of filtered and clean seawater that enters into the grow-out tanks directly from the source of seawater via conduit 25, which initiates the growth stage of the phytoplankton. It should be understood, however, that the volume of filtered and clean seawater can be any volumetric amount appropriate to achieve optimal or desired growth conditions of the phytoplankton. The grow-out tanks 26 are preferably constructed so as to have a depth dimension of at least 15 feet, and a more preferable depth of about 17 to about 18 feet.

The transfer of materials (e.g., phytoplankton and/or phytoplankton seawater) between the various tanks disclosed in the present invention can be facilitated in a number of different manners, such as through the use of one or more pumps (not shown), valves, through gravitational force or any other mechanism known in the art. For sake of simplicity, such mechanisms are not shown in the drawings, but are readily known to individuals skilled in the art as to their use of such mechanisms.

During the growing stage (and subsequent harvesting stage), individual or multiple monitoring measurements, namely seawater temperature, seawater turbidity, seawater pH, dissolved oxygen concentration within the seawater, seawater ammonia concentrations, seawater phosphate(s) concentrations, and weather conditions are taken periodically to monitor the progress and variable conditions of the growing stage. Depending on the information indicated by the monitoring measurement(s), additional nutrients can be added to the one or more grow-out tanks 26 as required to provide optimal growth conditions for the phytoplankton. The amount of nutrients added varies depending on the densities of the phytoplankton present within the grow-out tanks 26. For instance, a range of about 0 kilograms (if the phytoplankton density is low) to about 10 kilograms (if the phytoplankton density is high) per 1 million liters of seawater may be added to the grow-out tanks 26 to provide for optimal growth conditions. During the growing stage, and depending on the month of the growing stage, the grow-out tanks are desirably kept in a temperature range of about 12 to about 17 degrees Celsius in the summer months, and in a temperature range of about 6 to about 11 degrees Celsius during the winter months. It should be understood that the current method is not limited to these particular temperature ranges and can be accomplished in temperatures ranging from βˆ’10 to about 30 degrees Celsius. The monitoring period is desirably daily, however, the monitoring period can be any period of time effective to monitor the progress and variable conditions of the growing stage.

A unique aspect of the present method if that the phytoplankton are allowed to grow throughout 100% of the entire water column present in the grow-out tanks 26 using only natural sunlight (i.e., the phytoplankton is grows throughout the entire volume of seawater present in the about 17 to 18 feet tall grow-out tanks 26). This concept is unique and advantageous as it allows for the controlled and consistent growth of low-light phytoplankton species and also allows growth throughout the entire volume within the grow-out tanks 26 without having to expend the energy or financial costs associated with artificial light sources. It should be understood, however, that while described herein as using only natural light, the inventive concepts described herein may be implemented using one or more artificial light sources.

Once the phytoplankton cell densities reach a desired density, such as, for example, about 500,000 cells of phytoplankton per milliliter of seawater, the phytoplankton enters a second stage. The second stage of the process is referred to as a continuous harvesting stage. The continuous harvesting (and growing) of the phytoplankton is facilitated by withdrawing phytoplankton seawater from a bottom 27 of the grow-out tanks 26 and replacing the loss of water volume with clean and filtered seawater via conduit 25 with approximately equal amounts fresh seawater so as to maintain a relatively constant volume of seawater within the grow-out tanks 26.

The harvesting of the phytoplankton is accomplished by withdrawing the phytoplankton-rich seawater (hereinafter referred to as β€œphytoplankton water”) from the bottom 27 of the grow-out tanks 26 via a conduit 28. The phytoplankton water withdrawn from the grow-out tanks 26 is passed through a filtering system 29, which acts to concentrate the phytoplankton water before being transferred via a conduit 30 into one or more distribution tanks 32. Any remaining clean, filtered seawater (i.e., any effluent passing through the filtering system 28) is recycled into the existing source of seawater 12, for instance, the ocean via an effluent conduit 34. The various conduits described herein are desirably constructed of four-inch PVC pipe, but it should be understood that the conduits can be constructed of any material, be of any shape, and be of any diameter as to facilitate the transfer of phytoplankton and/or phytoplankton water to and from the various tanks and/or to and from the existing water source 12.

The filtering system 28 desirably includes at least one filter (not shown) constructed of 20 micrometer mesh which is capable of trapping any cellular organic matter (for instance, phytoplankton cells) 20 micrometers or greater in size. It should be understood, however, that the filter system 28 can include multiple filters and that the size of the filter(s) can be of any size to stop the passing of cellular organic matter through the filter during the various stages of the presently disclosed process.

The filtering system 28, aside from removing any additional macroalgae and/or organic material, functions to concentrate the phytoplankton water entering the distribution tanks 32. After entering the distribution tanks 32, the phytoplankton water is transferred via a conduit 36 into one or more sewing tanks 38 for further concentration of the phytoplankton water. Within the settling tanks 38, the phytoplankton water enters a third stage, namely the settling stage.

During the sewing stage, the concentrated phytoplankton is allowed to settle in a bottom 39 of the sewing tanks 38. 0.5% of citric acid by total volume of phytoplankton water is added to the settling tanks 38 to preserve the integrity of the phytoplankton, as well as accelerate the settling of the phytoplankton to the bottom 39 of the sewing tanks 38. The addition of citric acid will settle and preserve the phytoplankton until the next processing step.

Alternatively, or in addition, after the phytoplankton water is passed through the filtering system 28 and transferred from the distribution tanks 32 into the sewing tanks 38, the phytoplankton can be separated and concentrated via an electrical charge or an electrical coagulation process. The electrical coagulation process desirably includes placing one or more voltage plates 40 capable of conducting an electrical current within the settling tanks 38. The voltage plates 40 are desirably connected via one or more wires 42 to a voltage regulator 44, which transmits an electrical current to the voltage plates 40 thereby allowing separation of the phytoplankton from the phytoplankton water. This acts to concentrate the phytoplankton cells about the voltage plates 40. Once separation has occurred, the remaining seawater can be withdrawn from the sewing tanks 38, leaving concentrated phytoplankton cells with relatively low moisture content.

The voltage plates 40 can be constructed of any material or combination (including both conductive and non-conductive materials) of materials and be of any shape that is capable of either conducting or facilitating the conduction of electrical current so as to effectuate the separation of phytoplankton cells. A particular voltage plate 40 material that has shown to be effective for creating separation of the phytoplankton is aluminum, but it should be understood that other materials of equal or greater efficacy may be used to achieve the separation in the presently disclosed invention.

While described herein primarily as filtering, electrical current, and gravitational sewing separation, it should be understood that a number of methods can be used to separate the phytoplankton from the phytoplankton water, including, but not limited to, light, vibration, suction/siphoning, ultrasound, chemical addition/interaction, density differences, magnetism, and electromagnetism.

At the conclusion of the settling stage, the top, non-concentrated water is removed from the sewing tanks 38, leaving settled, concentrated phytoplankton remaining at the bottom 39 of the settling tanks 38. At this point, the phytoplankton contains substantially intact fatty acids and/or oils (primarily due to the absence of lysing or rupturing the phytoplankton cells with a base agent) and the phytoplankton is placed in containers (not shown) for further processing and refining into a desired product, such as a liquid or powder product for use in various medicinal, nutriceutical, food processing, cosmetic, industrial, energy-related applications and the like. The concentrated phytoplankton may optionally be passed through another (or previously used) filtering system (not shown) which includes at least one filter as aforementioned so as to provide a desired consistency and water concentration of the concentrated phytoplankton. Whether the phytoplankton is either placed in containers or is optionally transferred through an additional filter system and then placed in containers, 1% ascorbic acid by total weight of phytoplankton is desirably added to the phytoplankton to preserve it until further processing.

Exemplary Compositional Analyses of Phytoplankton Specimens

Compositional analyses of various specimens of harvested phytoplankton specimens produced in accordance with the process of the present invention are set forth in the following examples. However, it should be understood that the examples are illustrative only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention disclosed herein.

EXAMPLE 1

A compositional analysis of an algae sample (Sample No. 54133-001) produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 54133-001
Sample Description: Algae Sample
Temp on Receipt: RT
Comment:
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll 589.4 mg/100 g 
Fat - Acid Hydrolysis 3.29%  0.5%
Carotenoid Esters - total 1.43%
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols 0.29% n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg 666 mcg/100 g <10 IU/100 g
divided by 6
Retinol ND mcg/100 g
Total vitamin A 666 mcg or RE/100 g
Vitamin C - assay  ND mg/100 g   50 ppm
Vitamin D assay  ND IU/100 g
Vitamin E - profile Alpha tocopherol  ND mg/100 g n/a
Delta tocopherol  ND mg/100 g n/a
Gamma tocopherol  ND mg/100 g n/a
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine  2.4 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin  2.8 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin  14.6 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D-  0.52 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine HCl  2.2 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile see attached
amino acid screen + alanine 1980 mg/100 g 0.05%
tryptophan, cystine, methionine arginine 2130 mg/100 g 0.05%
aspartic acid 3590 mg/100 g 0.05%
cystine  360 mg/100 g 0.05%
glutamic acid 6210 mg/100 g 0.05%
glycine 1490 mg/100 g 0.05%
histidine  510 mg/100 g 0.05%
isoleucine 1200 mg/100 g 0.05%
leucine 1960 mg/100 g 0.05%
lysine 1630 mg/100 g 0.05%
amino acid screen + methionine  470 mg/100 g 0.05%
tryptophan, cystine, methionine phenylalanine 1270 mg/100 g 0.05%
proline  930 mg/100 g 0.05%
serine 1190 mg/100 g 0.05%
threonine 1150 mg/100 g 0.05%
tryptophan  410 mg/100 g 0.05%
tyrosine  880 mg/100 g 0.05%
valine 1400 mg/100 g 0.05%
Amylase - alpha <1 DU/g
Lipase 65 LU/g
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source 803.5 PC/g
Vitamin B12 (bioassay) 39.8 mcg/100 g 
Metal analysis by ICP/MS Aluminum 190.30 ppm
Antimony 0.01 ppm
Arsenic 1.83 ppm
Barium 15.75 ppm
Beryllium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth <0.02 ppm
Boron 76.96 ppm
Cadmium 0.18 ppm
Calcium 6015.0 ppm
Chromium 6.40 ppm
Cobalt 0.15 ppm
Copper 39.70 ppm
Iron 1920.0 ppm
Lead 0.48 ppm
Lithium 2.04 ppm
Magnesium 1.467% 
Manganese 892.0 ppm
Mercury 1.45 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS Molybdenum 0.71 ppm
Nickel 1.85 ppm
Potassium 2.985% 
Selenium 0.85 ppm
Silver <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 10.37% 
Strontium 186.90 ppm
Thallium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thorium 0.06 ppm
Tin 0.59 ppm
Titanium 10.74 ppm
Uranium 0.37 ppm
Vanadium 1.01 ppm
Zinc 169.70 ppm
Zirconium 0.92 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen + tryptophan, cystine, methionine - protein bound amino acid by HPLC-UV detection
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fat - Acid Hydrolysis - AOAC 950.54
Fatty Acid Profile - AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS - ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 36 modified
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - LC/MS/MS - in house
Vitamin B12 (bioassay) - USP 30 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - profile - HPLC

EXAMPLE 2

A compositional analysis of a freeze-dried Golden Brown Algae sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 61562-001
Sample Description: Freeze Dry Golden Brown Algae
Temp on Receipt: RT
Comment: Fatty Acid Profile (P005) was subcontracted to another qualified testing laboratoriy
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll  360 mg/100 g
Carotenoid Esters - total 0.66%
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols  7.9% n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg  72 RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
divided by 6
Retinol  ND RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A  72 RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C - assay 128.9 mg/g 5 ppm
or 12.8%
Vitamin D assay ND  10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E - assay ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine 0.16 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin 0.43 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin 1.56 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D- 0.33 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine HCl 0.18 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional Trans Fat <0.01%   0.1%
Fat as Triglyceride 3.03%  0.1%
Saturated Fatty 1.09%  0.1%
Acids
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) alanine 1.25% 0.10%
arginine 1.36% 0.10%
aspartic acid 1.78% 0.10%
glutamic acid 2.28% 0.10%
glycine 0.97% 0.10%
histidine 0.43% 0.10%
isoleucine 0.90% 0.10%
leucine 1.42% 0.10%
lysine 0.64% 0.10%
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Molybdenum 0.13 ppm 0.01 ppm
Nickel 0.09 ppm 0.02 ppm
Phosphorus 117 ppm 1 ppm
Potassium 205 ppm 0.5 ppm
Selenium <0.04 ppm 0.04 ppm
Silver 1.47 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 7.42 mg/g 1 ppm
Strontium 8.29 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thallium 0.29 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thorium 1.24 ppm 0.01 ppm
Tin 0.43 ppm 0.01 ppm
Titanium 0.82 ppm 0.02 ppm
Uranium 0.53 ppm 0.01 ppm
Vanadium 0.16 ppm 0.01 ppm
Zinc <0.05 ppm 0.05 ppm
Zirconium 1.80 ppm 0.01 ppm
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) phenylalanine 0.95% 0.10%
proline 0.59% 0.10%
serine 0.84% 0.10%
threonine 0.83% 0.10%
tryptophan 0.20% 0.10%
tyrosine 0.67% 0.10%
valine 0.88% 0.10%
Amylase - alpha No activity detected
Lipase No activity detected LU
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source 6.3 PC units/g
Vitamin B12 (microbial) 9.6 mcg/100 g
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Aluminum <0.1 ppm 0.1 ppm
Antimony 0.03 ppm 0.01 ppm
Arsenic <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Barium 0.73 ppm 0.02 ppm
Beryllium 0.12 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth 0.21 ppm 0.02 ppm
Boron 5.76 ppm 0.2 ppm
Cadmium <0.001 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium 156 ppm 1.0 ppm
Chromium <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Cobalt 0.28 ppm 0.01 ppm
Copper 1.24 ppm 0.01 ppm
Iron 1.90 ppm 0.5 ppm
Lead 0.22 ppm 0.01 ppm
Lithium 0.73 ppm 0.05 ppm
Magnesium 731 ppm 0.02 ppm
Manganese 0.38 ppm 0.02 ppm
Mercury 0.086 ppm 0.005 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) - USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional - P005 - Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) - AOAC 984.27 using ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - H081f - Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method 970.64
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - AOAC 961.15(modified) - analysis by LC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12 (microbial) - USP 31 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

EXAMPLE 3

A compositional analysis of a dehydrated Golden Brown Algae sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 61562-002
Sample Description: Dehydrated Golden Brown Algae
Temp on Receipt: RT
Comment: Fatty Acid Profile (P005) was subcontracted to another qualified testing laboratoriy
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll  411 mg/100 g
Carotenoid Esters - total 0.63%
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols  8.9% n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg 1922 RE/100 g   <10 IU/100 g,
divided by 6
Retinol  ND RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A 1922 RE/100 g   <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C - assay 126.0 mg/g 5 ppm
or 12.6%
Vitamin D assay ND  10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E - assay ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine 0.13 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin 0.30 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin 0.65 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D- 0.09 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine HCl 0.11 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional Fat as Triglyceride 3.08%  0.1%
Trans Fat <0.01%   0.1%
Saturated Fatty 0.65%  0.1%
Acids
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) alanine 1.20% 0.10%
arginine 1.22% 0.10%
aspartic acid 1.84% 0.10%
glutamic acid 2.27% 0.10%
glycine 0.99% 0.10%
histidine 0.37% 0.10%
isoleucine 0.96% 0.10%
leucine 1.44% 0.10%
lysine 0.47% 0.10%
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) phenylalanine 1.01% 0.10%
proline 0.59% 0.10%
serine 0.82% 0.10%
threonine 0.83% 0.10%
tryptophan 0.23% 0.10%
tyrosine 0.68% 0.10%
valine 0.91% 0.10%
Amylase - alpha No activity detected
Lipase 8.2 LU/g
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source 1.3 PC units/g
Vitamin B12 (microbial) 4.7 mcg/100 g
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Aluminum <0.1 ppm 0.1 ppm
Antimony <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Arsenic <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Barium 0.33 ppm 0.02 ppm
Beryllium 0.11 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth 0.19 ppm 0.02 ppm
Boron 1.93 ppm 0.2 ppm
Cadmium <0.001 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium 54.9 ppm 1.0 ppm
Chromium <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Cobalt 0.25 ppm 0.01 ppm
Copper 0.59 ppm 0.01 ppm
Iron <0.5 ppm 0.5 ppm
Lead 0.19 ppm 0.01 ppm
Lithium 0.17 ppm 0.05 ppm
Magnesium 242 ppm 0.02 ppm
Manganese 0.14 ppm 0.02 ppm
Mercury 0.065 ppm 0.005 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Molybdenum 0.02 ppm 0.01 ppm
Nickel 0.07 ppm 0.02 ppm
Phosphorus 34.2 ppm 1 ppm
Potassium 66.2 ppm 0.5 ppm
Selenium <0.04 ppm 0.04 ppm
Silver 1.37 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 2.72 mg/g 1 ppm
Strontium 3.59 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thallium 0.27 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thorium 1.12 ppm 0.01 ppm
Tin 0.32 ppm 0.01 ppm
Titanium 0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Uranium 0.38 ppm 0.01 ppm
Vanadium 0.13 ppm 0.01 ppm
Zinc <0.05 ppm 0.05 ppm
Zirconium 1.48 ppm 0.01 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) - USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional - P005 - Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) - AOAC 984.27 using ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - H081f - Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method 970.64
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - AOAC 961.15(modified) - analysis by LC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12 (microbial) - USP 31 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

EXAMPLE 4

A compositional analysis of a Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/B) Brown Liquid sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Results of Analysis

Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/B)
Brown Liquid; Lot# 1: 1-012208-A
Report of fatty acid profile
Type of fatty acid % of fatty acid in sample
saturated 0.01%
cis-monounsaturated 0.01%
cis-polyunsaturated 0.01%
total fatty acid as triglyceride 0.02%
total Omega 3 0.01%
total Omega 6 0.00%
total trans(18:1, 18:2) 0.00%
Component Name Carbon Chain % of total fatty acid
caproic acid C6:0 0.54
caprylic acid C8:0 0.18
capric acid C10:0 0.08
undecanoic acid C11:0 0.00
lauric acid C12:0 0.26
tridecanoic acid C13:0 0.00
myristoleic acid C14:1 0.30
myristic acid C14:0 13.15
pentadecenoic acid C15:1 0.09
pentadecanoic acid C15:0 1.00
palmitoleic acid C16:1 24.03
palmitic acid C16:0 19.65
cis-10-heptadecenoic C17:1 0.00
heptadecanoic acid C17:0 0.13
gama-linolenic acid C18:3 0.00
linoleic acid C18:2c 2.13
linolenic acid C18:3 1.13
oleic acid C18:1c 2.29
linolelaidic acid C18:2t 0.00
elaidic acid C18:1t 3.64
stearic acid C18:0 1.16
vaccinnic acid C18:1cis-11 0.41
octadecanoic acid C18:1trans-11 0.00
arachidonic acid C20:4 6.91
eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5 17.47
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n6 0.00
eicosadienoic acid C20:2 0.00
eicosenoic acid C20:1 0.00
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n3 0.00
arachidic acid C20:0 0.41
heneicosanoic acid C21:0 0.00
docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 4.05
docosapentaenoic acid C22:5 0.34
docosadienoic acid C22:2 0.00
erucic acid C22:1 0.00
behenic acid C22:0 0.41
tricosanoic acid C23:0 0.00
nervonic acid C24:1 0.00
lignoceric acid C24:0 0.24

Results of Analysis

Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/F)
Clear Liquid; Lot# 1: 1-012208-G
Report of fatty acid profile
Type of fatty acid % of fatty acid in sample
saturated 0.001%
cis-monounsaturated 0.000%
cis-polyunsaturated 0.000%
total fatty acid as triglyceride 0 002%
total Omega 3 0.000%
total Omega 6 0.000%
total trans(18:1, 18:2) 0.000%
Component Name Carbon Chain % of total fatty acid
caproic acid C6:0 0.00
caprylic acid C8:0 0.51
capric acid C10.0 0.00
undecanoic acid C11.0 0.00
lauric acid C12:0 1.79
tridecanoic acid C13:0 0.00
myristoleic acid C14:1 0.00
myristic acid C14:0 10.63
pentadecenoic acid C15:1 0.00
pentadecanoic acid C15:0 0.00
palmitoleic acid C16:1 1.54
palmitic acid C16:0 44.48
cis-10-heptadecenoic C17:1 0.00
heptadecanoic acid C17:0 0.00
gama-linolenic acid C18:3 0.00
linoleic acid C18:2c 0.00
linolenic acid C18:3 0.00
oleic acid C18:1c 15.77
linolelaidic acid C18:2t 0.00
elaidic acid C18:1t 8.34
stearic acid C18:0 0.00
vaccinnic acid C18:1cis-11 0.00
octadecanoic acid C18:1trans-11 0.00
arachidonic acid C20:4 0.00
eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5 0.00
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n6 0.00
eicosadienoic acid C20:2 0.00
eicosenoic acid C20:1 0.00
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n3 0.00
arachidic acid C20:0 0.00
heneicosanoic acid C21:0 0.00
docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 11.81
docosapentaenoic acid C22:5 0.00
docosadienoic acid C22:2 0.00
erucic acid C22:1 0.00
behenic acid C22:0 3.34
tricosanoic acid C23:0 0.00
nervonic acid C24:1 0.00
lignoceric acid C24:0 1.80

EXAMPLE 5

A compositional analysis of another Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/B) Brown Liquid sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 58773-001
Sample Description: Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/B) Brown Liquid; Lot# 1: 1-012208-A
Temp on Receipt: 9Β° C.
Comment: ND = not detected
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll 39.4 mg/L
Fat extraction for fatty acids <0.4%  0.4%
Carotenoid Esters - total 0.03% n/a
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols 0.122%  n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg ND  <10 IU/100 g,
divided by 6
Retinol ND  <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A ND  <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C - assay  153 mg/100 g 0.5 mg/100 g
Vitamin D assay ND  10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E - assay ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine ND 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin 0.026 mg/100 g  0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin 0.21 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D- ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile see attached %
amino acid screen (complete Tryptophane <0.01%  0.05%
profile) Aspartic Acid 0.02% 0.05%
Alanine <0.01%  0.10%
Arginine 0.03% 0.10%
Cystine 0.08% 0.10%
Glutamic Acid 0.01% 0.10%
Glycine 0.01% 0.10%
Histidine 0.02% 0.10%
Hydroxyproline <0.01%  0.10%
Isoleucine 0.01% 0.10%
Leucine 0.02% 0.10%
amino acid screen (complete Lysine 0.01% 0.10%
profile) Methionine <0.01%  0.10%
Phenylalanine 0.01% 0.10%
Proline <0.01%  0.10%
Serine 0.01% 0.10%
Threonine 0.01% 0.10%
Tyrosine <0.01%  0.10%
Valine 0.01% 0.10%
Amylase - alpha 0 DU/ml
Lipase 0 LY/ml
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source 0 PC/ml
Vitamin B12 (bioassay) 0.55 mcg/100 g 
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Aluminum 0.86 ppm 0.1 ppm
Antimony <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Arsenic 0.05 ppm 0.01 ppm
Barium <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Beryllium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Phospohorus 0.84 ppm 1 ppm
Boron 0.45 ppm 0.2 ppm
Cadmium <0.001 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium <1 ppm 1.0 ppm
Chromium <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Cobalt <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Copper 0.05 ppm 0.01 ppm
Iron <0.5 ppm 0.5 ppm
Lead <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Lithium <0.05 ppm 0.05 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Magnesium 119 ppm 0.02 ppm
Manganese <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Mercury 0.006 ppm 0.005 ppm
Molybdenum <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Nickel <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Potassium 108 ppm 0.5 ppm
Selenium <0.04 ppm 0.04 ppm
Silver <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 1.0 mg/ml 1 ppm
Strontium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thallium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thorium 0.15 ppm 0.01 ppm
Tin 0.02 ppm 0.01 ppm
Titanium <0.02 ppm 0.02 ppm
Uranium 0.10 ppm 0.01 ppm
Vanadium <0.01 ppm 0.01 ppm
Zinc 0.63 ppm 0.05 ppm
Zirconium 0.03 ppm 0.01 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (complete profile) - USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fat extraction for fatty acids - C101b - Fat in Foods by Hydrolytic Extraction based on AOAC Method 996.06
Fatty Acid Profile - P005 - Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) - ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - H081f - Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 36 modified
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - LC/MS/MS - in house
Vitamin B12 (bioassay) - USP 30 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

EXAMPLE 6

A compositional analysis of a Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/F) Clear Liquid sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 58773-002
Sample Description: Golden Brown Marine Phytoplankton (A/F)
Clear Liquid; Lot# 1:1-012208-G
Temp on Receipt: 9Β° C.
Comment ND = not detected
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll  0.32 mg/L
Fat extraction for fatty acids <0.4% 0.4%
Carotenoid Esters-total 0.01% n/a
Total Polyphenols-UV Total polyphenols 0.13% n/a
Vitamin A-assay Beta-carotene mcg divided by 6 ND <10 IU/100 g,
Retinol ND <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A ND <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C-assay   176 mg/100 g 0.5 mg/100 g
Vitamin D assay ND   10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E-assay ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1-Thiamine ND 0.1 mg/100 g
B2-Riboflavin 0.020 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3-Niacin 0.162 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5-Calcium D-Pantothenate ND 0.1 mg/100 g
B6-Pyridoxine ND 0.1 mg/100g
Fatty Acid Profile see attached %
amino acid screen Aspartic Acid 0.02% 0.05%
(complete profile) Proline <0.01% 0.05%
Tryptophan <0.01% 0.05%
Alanine 0.03% 0.10%
Arginine 0.03% 0.10%
Cystine 0.06% 0.10%
Glutamic Acid 0.01% 0.10%
Glycine 0.01% 0.10%
Histidine <0.01% 0.10%
Hydroxyproline <0.01% 0.10%
Isoleucine 0.01% 0.10%
amino acid screen Leucine 0.01% 0.10%
(complete profile) Lysine 0.01% 0.10%
Methionine 0.01% 0.10%
Phenylalanine 0.01% 0.10%
Serine <0.01% 0.10%
Threonine <0.01% 0.10%
Tyrosine <0.01% 0.10%
Valine <0.01% 0.10%
Amylase-alpha 0 DU/ml
Lipase 0 LY/ml
Proteolytic activity, 0 PC/ml
bacterial source
Vitamin B12 (bioassay) <0.2 mcg/100 g
Metal analysis by ICP/MS Aluminum 0.83 ppm  0.1 ppm
(trace) Antimony <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Arsenic 0.05 ppm  0.01 ppm
Barium <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Beryllium <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Bismuth <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Phospohorus 0.28 ppm    1 ppm
Boron 0.32 ppm  0.2 ppm
Cadmium <0.001 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium 0.73 ppm  1.0 ppm
Chromium <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Cobalt <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Copper 0.06 ppm  0.01 ppm
Iron <0.5 ppm  0.5 ppm
Lead <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Lithium <0.05 ppm  0.05 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS Magnesium 94.7 ppm  0.02 ppm
(trace) Manganese <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Mercury 0.006 ppm 0.005 ppm
Molybdenum <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Nickel <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Potassium 89.4 ppm  0.5 ppm
Selenium <0.04 ppm  0.04 ppm
Silver <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Sodium 863 ppm    1 ppm
Strontium <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Thallium <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Thorium 0.16 ppm  0.01 ppm
Tin 0.04 ppm  0.01 ppm
Titanium <0.02 ppm  0.02 ppm
Uranium 0.10 ppm  0.01 ppm
Vanadium <0.01 ppm  0.01 ppm
Zinc 0.30 ppm  0.05 ppm
Zirconium 0.04 ppm  0.01 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (complete profile)-USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase-alpha-FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters-total-UV Absorption
Chlorophyll-AOAC
Fat extraction for fatty acids-C101b-Fat in Foods by Hydrolytic Extraction based on AOAC Method 996.06
Fatty Acid Profile-P005-Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.05, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase-FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace)-ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols-UV-Colorimeteric-using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A-assay-H081f-Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 36 modified
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package-LC/MS/MS-in house
Vitamin B12 (bioassay)-USP 30 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C-assay-Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay-AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E-assay-AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

EXAMPLE 7

A compositional analysis of an algae sample (ID#: US100-54133) produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Results of Analysis

Algae Sample
Report of fatty acid profile
Type of fatty acid % of fatty acid in sample
saturated 0.92%
cis-monounsaturated 0.61%
cis-polyunsaturated 1.75%
total fat 3.29%
total Omega 3 1.52%
total Omega 6 0.18%
total trans(18:1, 18:2) 0.01%
Component Name Carbon Chain % of total fatty acid
caproic acid C6:0 0.000
caprylic acid C8:0 0.000
capric acid C10.0 0.202
undecanoic acid C11.0 0.000
lauric acid C12:0 0.532
tridecanoic acid C13:0 0.000
myristoleic acid C14:1 1.755
myristic acid C14:0 5.926
pentadecenoic acid C15:1 0.328
pentadecanoic acid C15:0 0.469
palmitoleic acid C16:1 8.787
palmitic acid C16:0 18.136
cis-10-heptadecenoic C17:1 0.000
heptadecanoic acid C17:0 0.000
gama-linolenic acid C18:3 0.000
linoleic acid C18:2c 4.990
linolenic acid C18:3 1.422
oleic acid C18:1c 6.263
linolelaidic acid C18:2t 0.000
elaidic acid C18:1t 0.294
stearic acid C18:0 2.468
vaccinnic acid C18:1cis-11 1.275
octadecanoic acid C18:1cis-11 0.000
arachidonic acid C20:4 0.371
eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5 36.055
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n6 0.000
eicosadienoic acid C20:2 1.619
eicosenoic acid C20:1 0.000
eicosatrienoic acid C20:3n3 0.000
arachidic acid C20:0 0.000
heneicosanoic acid C21:0 0.000
docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 8.743
docosapentaenoic acid C22:5 0.000
docosadienoic acid C22:2 0.000
erucic acid C22:1 0.000
behenic acid C22:0 0.365
tricosanoic acid C23:0 0.000
nervonic acid C24:1 0.000
lignoceric acid C24:0 0.000

EXAMPLE 8

A compositional analysis of a Golden Brown Algae (14.89% Moisture Content) sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 62510-002
Sample Description: Golden Brown Algae, Processed at MCD Tech, 14.89% moisture content/8 mesh
Temp on Receipt: RT
Comment: ND = not detected or less than detection limit
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll 552.4 mg/100 g 
Carotenoid Esters - total 0.61%
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols  4.3% n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg 2224 RE/100 g   <10 IU/100 g,
divided by 6
Retinol ND  <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A 2224 RE/100 g   <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C - assay Vitamin C   1.8 g/100 g 5 ppm
Vitamin D assay VD3 ND  10 IU/100 g,
VD2 ND  10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E - assay gamma-Tocopherol 81.1 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine ND 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin 0.22 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin 0.67 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D- ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine HCl ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional cis- 0.80%  0.1%
Monounsaturated
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty 1.36%  0.1%
Acids
cis-Polyunsaturated 2.02%  0.1%
fatty Acids
Conjugated Fatty <0.01%   0.1%
Acids
Omega-6 Fatty 0.12%  0.1%
Acids
Saturated fatty acids 1.11%  0.1%
Trans fatty acids 0.02% 0.01%
Fat as Triglycerides 4.14%  0.1%
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) alanine 1.42% 0.10%
arginine 1.27% 0.10%
aspartic acid 2.34% 0.10%
cystine 0.54% 0.10%
glutamic acid 2.47% 0.10%
glycine 1.26% 0.10%
histidine 0.44% 0.10%
hydroxyproline <0.01%  0.10%
isoleucine 1.10% 0.10%
leucine 1.92% 0.10%
lysine 1.11% 0.10%
methionine 0.74% 0.10%
phenylalanine 1.31% 0.10%
proline 0.34% 0.10%
serine 1.17% 0.10%
threonine 0.96% 0.10%
tryptophan 0.16% 0.10%
tyrosine 0.82% 0.10%
valine 1.25% 0.10%
Amylase - alpha <200 BAU/g
Lipase No activity detected LU/g
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source No Activity detected PC/g
Vitamin B12 (microbial) 1.2 mcg/100 g
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Aluminum 129 ppm 0.1 ppm
Antimony <1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Arsenic 1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Barium 44.4 ppm 0.02 ppm
Beryllium <0.04 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth <1 ppm 0.02 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Cadmium <0.1 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium 3.53 mg/g 1.0 ppm
Chromium 2.92 ppm 0.02 ppm
Cobalt <0.1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Copper 25.5 ppm 0.01 ppm
Iron 259 ppm 0.5 ppm
Lead <0.6 ppm 0.01 ppm
Lithium 2.5 ppm 0.05 ppm
Magnesium 10.6 mg/g 0.02 ppm
Manganese 7.6 ppm 0.02 ppm
Mercury <0.006 ppm 0.005 ppm
Molybdenum 2.3 ppm 0.01 ppm
Nickel 0.7 ppm 0.02 ppm
Phosphorus 2.66 mg/g 1 ppm
Potassium 4.45 mg/g 0.5 ppm
Selenium 0.9 ppm 0.04 ppm
Silver <0.4 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 88.6 mg/g 1 ppm
Strontium 72.2 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thallium 1.3 ppm 0.01 ppm
Tin <0.5 ppm 0.01 ppm
Titanium 6.5 ppm 0.02 ppm
Vanadium <0.4 ppm 0.01 ppm
Zinc 19.7 ppm 0.05 ppm
Zirconium 0.4 ppm 0.01 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) - USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional - P005 - Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) - AOAC 984.27 using ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - H081f - Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method 970.64
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - AOAC 961.15(modified) - analysis by LC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12 (microbial) - USP 31 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

EXAMPLE 9

A compositional analysis of a Golden Brown Algae (6.14% Moisture Content) sample produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

Sample #: 62510-001
Sample Description: Golden Brown Algae, Processed at MCD Tech, 6.14% moisture content/8 mesh
Temp on Receipt: RT
Comment: ND = not detected or less than detection limit
Detection
Test Compound Specification Limit Result Limit
Chlorophyll 570.0 mg/100 g 
Carotenoid Esters - total 0.57%
Total Polyphenols - UV Total polyphenols  7.6% n/a
Vitamin A - assay Beta-carotene mcg 1172 RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
divided by 6
Retinol ND  <10 IU/100 g,
Total vitamin A 1172 RE/100 g  <10 IU/100 g,
Vitamin C - assay Vitamin C  11.4 g/100 g 5 ppm
Vitamin D assay VD2 ND  10 IU/100 g
VD3 ND  10 IU/100 g
Vitamin E - assay gamma-Tocopherol  108 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
Vitamin Test B1 - Thiamine ND 0.1 mg/100 g
B2 - Riboflavin  0.31 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B3 - Niacin  0.51 mg/100 g 0.1 mg/100 g
B5 - Calcium D- ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Pantothenate
B6 - Pyridoxine HCl ND 0.1 mg/100 g
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional cis-Polyunsaturated 1.94%  0.1%
fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty 0.10%  0.1%
Acids
Omega-3 Fatty 1.13%  0.1%
Acids
cis- 0.79%  0.1%
Monounsaturated
Fatty Acids
Conjugated Fatty <0.01%   0.1%
Acids
Saturated fatty acids 1.16%  0.1%
Trans fatty acids 0.02% 0.01%
Fat as Triglycerides 4.10%  0.1%
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) alanine 1.53% 0.10%
arginine 1.37% 0.10%
aspartic acid 2.52% 0.10%
cystine 1.37% 0.10%
glutamic acid 2.67% 0.10%
glycine 1.37% 0.10%
histidine 0.48% 0.10%
hydroxyproline <0.01%  0.10%
isoleucine 1.18% 0.10%
leucine 2.07% 0.10%
lysine 1.25% 0.10%
methionine 0.82% 0.10%
phenylalanine 1.42% 0.10%
proline 0.33% 0.10%
serine 1.28% 0.10%
threonine 1.04% 0.10%
tryptophan 0.36% 0.10%
tyrosine 0.88% 0.10%
valine 1.35% 0.10%
Amylase - alpha <100 BAU/g
Lipase 158 LU/g
Proteolytic activity, bacterial source No Activity detected PC/g
Vitamin B12 (microbial)  5.5 mcg/100 g
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Aluminum 156 ppm 0.1 ppm
Antimony <1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Arsenic 1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Barium 49.5 ppm 0.02 ppm
Beryllium <0.04 ppm 0.01 ppm
Bismuth <1 ppm 0.02 ppm
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) Cadmium <0.1 ppm 0.001 ppm
Calcium 4.07 mg/g 1.0 ppm
Chromium 2.93 ppm 0.02 ppm
Cobalt <0.1 ppm 0.01 ppm
Copper 31.3 ppm 0.01 ppm
Iron 321 ppm 0.5 ppm
Lead <0.6 ppm 0.01 ppm
Lithium 2.8 ppm 0.05 ppm
Magnesium 12.0 mg/g 0.02 ppm
Manganese 9.6 ppm 0.02 ppm
Mercury <0.006 ppm 0.005 ppm
Molybdenum 2.8 ppm 0.01 ppm
Nickel 0.6 ppm 0.02 ppm
Phosphorus 3.06 mg/g 1 ppm
Potassium 5.11 mg/g 0.5 ppm
Selenium 1 ppm 0.04 ppm
Silver <0.4 ppm 0.02 ppm
Sodium 104 mg/g 1 ppm
Strontium 82.8 ppm 0.01 ppm
Thallium 0.9 ppm 0.01 ppm
Tin <0.5 ppm 0.01 ppm
Titanium 8.0 ppm 0.02 ppm
Vanadium 0.5 ppm 0.01 ppm
Zinc 24.6 ppm 0.05 ppm
Zirconium 0.3 ppm 0.01 ppm
Methodology:
amino acid screen (AMINO-CMPL) - USDA 6.011 (1986)
Amylase - alpha - FCC UV Spectraphotometry
Carotenoid Esters - total - UV Absorption
Chlorophyll - AOAC
Fatty Acid Profile - nutritional - P005 - Fatty Acid Profile in Food Products based on AOAC 996.06, AOCS Official Method Ce2-66
Lipase - FCC 4th edition (titration)
Metal analysis by ICP/MS (trace) - AOAC 984.27 using ICP/MS
Total Polyphenols - UV - Colorimeteric - using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent
Vitamin A - assay - H081f - Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in Food Products based on AOAC Method 970.64
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 package - AOAC 961.15(modified) - analysis by LC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12 (microbial) - USP 31 <171> modified for food
Vitamin C - assay - Vitamin C in Food Products based on Extraction by AOAC Methods of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 37, Analysis by HPLC
Vitamin D assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 38
Vitamin E - assay - AOAC Method of Analysis for Nutrition Labeling (1993) Chapter 39, modified

Comparative Analysis of Fatty Acid Content Present Within Various Samples Produced by the Presently Disclosed Invention

EXAMPLE 10

A comparative analysis showing the fatty acid profiles of various phytoplankton specimens produced in accordance with the present invention is set forth.

*Note:
numbers may not add up to 100% because of other minor peaks in chromatogram that could be classified with certainty.
Highlighted areas denote the polyunstaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of interest.

Arizona algae Vancouver algae
18:2 Linoleic acid (Omega-6 fatty acid) 16:4 Hexadecatetraenoic acid
18:3 Linolenic acid (Omega-3 fatty 18:3 Linolenic acid (Omega-3)
acid) 18:4 Stearidonic acid (a UFA)
20:4 Arachidonic acid (Omega-6 fatty 22:6 Docosahexaeniic acid
acid) (Omega-3)

Brief Summary

Longer chain fatty acids, including the 22:6 omega-3 fatty acid was detected in algae from Vancouver than in the Arizon material, while arachidonic acid (20:4-omega-6), a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was detected in Arizona algae. Fatty acid profile for Vancouver algae appears wide, from the completely saturated 14:0 to the 22:6 PUFA. Algae from the two locations contain sizable amounts of docosanoate (22:0). These materials were neither purified nor extracted with specific objective of enhancing the concentration of PUFA's. Freeze drying and Refractance Window drying showed comparable effect on fatty acids. At this stage a defininte conclusion on amlunts of fatty acies retained by the three drying methods cannot be made.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated and obvious to those people skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as described in this specification.

Claims

1. A solid phytoplankton product, comprising:

from about 3.6 to about 5.9 milligrams of chlorophyll per gram of solid phytoplankton product;

from about 0.1% to about 4.2% of at least one fatty acid by weight of solid phytoplankton product;

from about 0.1% to about 2.7% of at least one amino acid by weight of solid phytoplankton product;

from about 0.01 ppm to about 7,420 ppm of at least one elemental metal by weight of solid phytoplankton product; and

wherein the chlorophyll, the at least one fatty acid, the at least one amino acid, and the at least one elemental metal remain substantially in an intact cellular state in the solid phytoplankton product.

2. The solid phytoplankton powder of claim 1, wherein the at least one fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and esterified fatty acids.

3. The solid phytoplankton powder of claim 1, wherein the at least one amino acid is selected from the group consisting of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

4. The solid phytoplankton powder of claim 1, wherein the at least one elemental metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese mercury, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, strontium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, uranium, vanadium, zinc, and zirconium.

5. The solid phytoplankton powder of claim 1, further comprising at least trace amounts of at least one vitamin selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E.

6-8. (canceled)