Today, many individuals have been attempting to determine different ways to obtain energy with a minimal negative impact on the environment. Significant developments in scientific research demonstrate that micro-algae has potential for being a source of such bioenergy. In fact, projects such as Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae [O.M.E.G.A.], created by Jonathan Trent, is an interesting method that takes advantage of the the various prospective uses of algae. The OMEGA team is currently researching using algae as an energy source because it is able to clean wastewater, capture carbon dioxide, as well as reduce air pollution. With the support of NASA, OMEGA has been able to design a system in which freshwater algae to able to be grown in an flexible, clear plastic PBRs attached to a floating infrastructure anchored offshore in a protected bay in order to provide various energy-rich fuels to power the Earth (IM19).

The system that the OMEGA team has created is environmentally friendly as algal biofuel can be utilized as a replacement biofuel for fossil fuels as it is composed of energy-rich matter and can be continuously replaced. A variety of companies and government agencies currently are funding efforts that will allow algae fuel to become commercially attainable. Specifically, NASA has been closely working with the OMEGA project for a possible solution to create aviation fuels. This manner of petroleum based biofuel is beneficial to power aircrafts especially since it is done without using valuable fossil fuels. Currently, there have been a plethora of airplanes that have used this biofuel as a trial basis in which it had been deemed successful.

Hence, it is a possibility that people will soon be flying in aircrafts that are powered with algal biodiesel. Algae is proven to be one of the most powerful and convincing source of biofuel which is why many there is so much research about it. Some benefits include that it is rapid in growth, has a high flash point, can be easily produced with minimal impact on freshwater resources, has minimum negative environmental impacts, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Systems like OMEGA will be crucial for energy usage in the near future especially as fossil fuels continue in their depletion (IM19), (IM22), & (IM23).

OMEGA Project

Terravia

Jonathan Wolfson and Harrison Dillon are both founders of Terravia. The ultimate goal of their company is to make products that are beneficial for the human populace and the planet. Wolfson's company was acquired by Corbion in late 2017 and since then has branched out into a series of various small businesses that manufacture products composed of algae such as Algavia and Solazyme. These small businesses have invested millions of dollars into fabricating their algal products (IM24).

Algae can be utilized as a great food source. A company known as AlgaVia®, uses whole algae ingredients to create scrumptious foods that are renowned for inspiring solutions which promote healthy individuals and a thriving planet. The algal product was derived from a native algae strain that was discovered in the freshwaters of Netherlands. The resulting yellow substance is used to naturally convert sugars into essential oils and proteins. Overall, the ingredients provide an array of benefits that make reduced-fat foods taste richer that have the added on bonuses of reducing saturated fat content as well as providing an excellent protein source for all diets [including vegans].

(IM20), (IM26), & (IM27).

Companies such as Solazyme are now able to utilize algae for various cosmetic products. Algae can be manufactured in a plethora of different beauty products including algal soaps, clay masks, creams, shampoos, and conditioners, etc... There happens to be a considerably large market for these products and it is primarily available for customers online as well as in select stores.

(IM25) (IM28)

Algavia

Solazyme

Benefits of this product include:

Naturally-derived algae.
Contains all essential amino acids.
Adds dietary fiber, healthy lipids and micronutrients to food products.

Gluten-free, non-GMO, and a vegan friendly product.
Manufactured in the United States.
High protein digestibility.
Zero to minimal impact on the texture or viscosity of a finished product.
Stable in a variety of temperatures and pH conditions.

(IM20), (IM26), & (IM27).

Benefits of this product include:

Regulation of the production of sebum which ultimately prevents dehydration of the skin.
A good source of Omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prevents dryness and fight skin problems like eczema and acne.
Utilizes algae's various nutrients such as necessary minerals and vitamins that help prevent the aging process while also repairing skin damage.
Algae aids in the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential to having firmer skin.

(IM28)

There is a moderate demand for AlgaVia products and it is commercially available throughout North America (the United States, Canada, and Mexico), the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Brazil. Products that include algae have doubled from 7.2% in 2015 to 14.2% in 2016 allowing for a higher availability of this product for the global population. (IM20), (IM26), & (IM27).

Solazyme is a San Francisco based algal fuel company that has branched out their research to include the benefit of algae within cosmetics. The company has been applauded for creating their own anti-aging skincare line known as Algenist which utilizes a micro-algae mix as the main component in its ingredients. The first series of the company's products made their way into over 800 Sephora stores located within the United States and European countries. As of now, they sell many of their products online to all that are interested in this innovative product (IM21).