Euglena participates in the "SPACE FOODSPHERE" program led by Realtech HD and JAXA
Promote the development of microalgae culture technology and food resources in space and on the earth

Euglena Co., Ltd.

　Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mitsuru Izumo) participated in the "SPACE FOODSPHERE" program implemented by the general incorporated association SPACE FOODSPHERE (hereinafter referred to as "Space Food Sphere"), and participated in the "SPACE FOODSPHERE" program, which is a "complete resource" in space and on the earth. We are pleased to announce that we will promote the development of microalgae cultivation technology and food resources related to "circular and ultra-high efficiency food supply system".
　At Space Food Sphere, a wide variety of professionals who are active in various fields such as food production, resource regeneration, automation / remoteization, ecosystem, food processing, cooking, space, polar life, business, marketing, finance, human resource development, etc. By gathering together, industry-academia-government collaboration will be promoted for more specific research and development, demonstration, and social implementation. From Euglena Co., Ltd., researchers led by Kengo Suzuki, an Executive Officer in charge of research and development, who has been conducting research on the theme of food production in "Space Food X ^{* 1}" from 2019, will participate in the development theme related to the program. I will work on it.
* 1 "Space Food X" is planned and operated by the Euglena Group Real Tech Fund, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Sigmasys Co., Ltd., and is planned and operated by companies, universities, research institutes, experts, etc. 30 With the above participation, a program aimed at solving problems related to food production and supply in space and on the earth and creating a market at an early stage.

Our 's research results at Space Food X and its role in the "SPACE FOODSPHERE" program
　
■ Design of algae production and culture system in outer space and trial calculation of material balance
　We have summarized the research results on indoor and outdoor culture with less environmental load assuming biofuel production, and have been conducting research on space-saving and energy-saving substance production methods. Based on the results, we designed a microalgae culture system that assumes outer space, which is a closed environment.

　Utilizing the photosynthetic function of microalgae, it absorbs carbon dioxide emitted by human respiration and produces oxygen and nutrient sources, enabling material circulation in outer space. A panel-type culture plant * 2 is considered to be suitable for culturing algae in outer space with many restrictions, and it is expected that about 600 g * 3 of microalgae per day will be able to supply the oxygen and nutrient sources required by one person. have become. With this method, it is possible to obtain a trial calculation that requires a floor area of about 2 m2 per person, and it is possible to design an algae production and culture system that makes the best use of space and LED light.
* 2 A futuristic high-efficiency culture device that irradiates LEDs by circulating the culture solution on a panel that covers the culture sheet with a bag-shaped film. The culture tank and LED are installed vertically to maximize the space.
* 3 Estimated value assuming that the total calorie intake required by a person is covered by the Euglena

■ Food development utilizing microalgae in a closed environment
　We are researching the algorithm "Algae Nutrition Formula ™" that aims to realize a complete nutritional diet by combining multiple microalgae. In fiscal 2019, we considered space food using Aurantiochytrium, a type of algae, to produce DHA. Aurantiochytrium has been verified to have the potential to be used as a space food material that can efficiently supply essential fatty acids containing fish that are deficient in outer space, such as DHA accounting for nearly 20% of the cell weight.

In addition, against the risk of causing abnormalities in the cells of living organisms due to cosmic radiation when living in outer space, Euglena derived components may lead to prevention of cancer and aging by enhancing immune function and antioxidant function. We confirmed nutritional findings such as the inhibitory effect on disuse muscle atrophy * 4 related to the prevention of muscle weakness, and reported it at the 63rd Space Science and Technology Association Lecture held in November 2019.
* 4 Muscle atrophy caused by not using muscles for a long period of time

■ Our "SPACE FOODSPHERE" program
Based on the research results so far, the contents of the efforts under consideration after 2020 are as follows.
・ About the effect of cosmic radiation on algae
・ About the possibility of solving health problems in a closed environment with Euglena
・ Evaluation of the effects of microalgae-derived components on animal cells, such as growth
・ Verification of material balance that combines each elemental technology in the entire closed environment

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Euglena Co., Ltd. Corporate Communication Division