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Sea cucumber, sea urchin and sea squirt: the ocean’s hidden pharmac

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Sea cucumber, sea urchin and sea squirt: the ocean’s hidden pharmac

September 8, 2026

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Small enough to fit under a microscope, yet capable of helping fuel a plane. Microalgae are at the heart of a new wave of innovation spanning aquaculture, energy, biomaterials and medicine.

From light-guided cultivation systems to marine peptides with potential in the fight against cancer, recent advances reveal how the ocean’s biological resources are becoming key building blocks of a more sustainable economy.

AQUACULTURE

Processes and Systems for Culturing Algae

The process involves culturing algae under aerobic conditions while controlling algal age. An aquaculture medium containing phototactic microorganisms is exposed to one or more light sources. The microorganisms move toward the light, forming an upper concentrated layer and a lower layer. The upper layer is separated from the lower layer in a separation zone. The concentrated microorganisms are transferred to a harvesting zone.

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Microalgae Growth-Promoting Microorganism

Microorganisms from several genera can promote algal growth. Examples include Rhodococcus cerastii, Xanthobacter flavus, and Ancylobacter rudongensis. They can stimulate the growth of cyanobacteria, green algae, and other photosynthetic organisms.

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MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Method and System for Extracting and Purifying Algae Oil for Low-Temperature Biofuel Production

A novel method is proposed to extract and purify oil from wet algae for biofuel production. The process uses controlled heating and piezoelectric wave extraction to release algae oil. Ion exchange removes heavy metals, improving oil purity. Multi-stage condensation separates oil fractions, followed by molecular restructuring using a magnetic field. The final biofuel ester has a pour point below −10°C, making it suitable for aviation, automotive, and cold-climate applications.

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Process for Preparing a Microfiber composed of Microalgae Living Inside

A process is described for producing microfiber containing living microalgae.   Microalgae are mixed with a biomaterial in a nutrient medium. The mixture undergoes microfluidic spinning and polymerization. A specialized spinning chip with a grooved die section produces the final grooved microfiber.

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LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

Manufacture and Uses of Marine-based Compositions

Compositions are developed containing isolated peptides derived from marine biomass. The peptides originate from marine organisms such as Holothuria, Heliocidaris, Styela, and Sargassum. The compositions may contain DMBT1 (Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumor 1) peptides. These peptides include sequences derived from marine organism DMBT1 homologs.

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Compositions and Uses for Treatment of Cancer

Compositions combine marine biomass extracts for cancer treatment. They may target leukemia and various solid tumors, including bladder, gastric, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Extracts are derived from sea cucumber, sea urchin, tunicate, and Sargassum. The compositions may contain a majority of sea cucumber extracts.

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The Technological Sonar is B2E CoLAB’s monthly feature dedicated to the blue bioeconomy. Each edition compiles the latest scientific studies and patents in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and living marine resources, keeping researchers, companies, and decision-makers at the forefront of ocean sector innovation. Click here to view all editions.

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