GNT USA’s Elena Leeb, a R&D Technologist, will be one of four panelists in a featured Institute of Food Technologists symposium Monday, July 16, about focused on the future usage and cultivation of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). During her presentation, Elena will provide insight into the quality and functionality of spirulina as a natural color solution. 

Spirulina, commonly known as blue-green algae, is a photosynthetic bacteria valued for its rich nutritional profile and natural coloring properties, and it is one of two species of microalgae that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Food manufacturers are incorporating spirulina into a variety of applications from confections and baked goods to decorative sugars and coatings. 

The symposium will address additional spirulina-related topics including cultivation, processing, optimization, and application. Each panelist will give a 15-minute presentation, which will be followed by a five minute Q&A session. Dr. Kai Reineke, IFT Member at Large-International Division, is moderating the symposium. 

Topics and speakers are as follows:

Lukas Böcker – ETH Zürich

Cultivation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in a photobioreactor and downstream processing for gentle protein recovery.

Elena Leeb – GNT

Designing for Performance: Natural Coloring Solutions from Spirulina 

Dr. Sergiy Smetana – DIL.eV

Environmental price of high-value proteins: LCA of Spirulina production and processing 

Prof. Avigad Vonshak — Director of J. Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Israel

Mass culturing of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis): Challenges, Achievements and Prospects 

Discussion Date & Time

Monday, July 16, 2018

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (CDT)

McCormick Place – S402AB