KAS Debuts Natural Astaxanthin by Novel Fermentation

Our break-through is comparable to the emergence of algal DHA using fermentation to replace marine oils for healthy sustainable nutrition.


Kuehnle AgroSystems has developed a game-changing fermentation process for the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, a trusted source of natural astaxanthin.

Natural Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin from microalgae is a powerful antioxidant pigment with numerous health-promoting benefits for people and their pets.   Natural astaxanthin is found in highest concentrations only in the algal species Haematococcus pluvialis.

Astaxanthin also supplies farmed fish and shrimp the dietary carotenoid antioxidants they require for their health and color. For consumers, the pink-red coloration attributed to astaxanthin indicates premium quality seafood.

KAS's Fermentation Breakthrough

Only KAS produces astaxanthin from Haematococcus by proprietary dark fermentation.  The fermentation process is very fast, high yielding, and economical. It occurs in closed vertical tank systems for minimal water and land use with maximal purity.  

The process enables much greater output volumes and lower cost than light-dependent algae production methods, to better respond to the rapidly expanding needs of the market.

Performance and Commercialization

In aquaculture, KAS’s single-cell Haematococcus product performed well in independent feeding studies in Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and vannamei shrimp.  In personal care, astaxanthin-containing extracts such as AstaFusion® boasts novel antiaging benefits for skin care, while that from supercritical CO2 purification holds promise for food supplements.

Manufacturing plans are currently in development. KAS is actively seeking strategic partners to bring this exciting new technology to the global aquaculture and other markets.

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