Discover how photosynthetic microalgae are transforming EPA and DHA production with sustainable, fish-free omega-3 solutions for human nutrition and aquaculture.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for human health and animal nutrition. Among them, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are recognized for their critical roles in cardiovascular health, cognitive function, vision, and early development.
As global demand for omega-3 continues to grow, the industry faces a major challenge: how can we produce sufficient quantities of EPA and DHA without further depleting marine resources?
Photosynthetic microalgae offer one of the most promising and sustainable alternatives to traditional fish oil production. By combining carbon capture with renewable biomass production, they are paving the way for the next generation of omega-3 ingredients.
Why Are EPA and DHA Essential?
EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that support numerous physiological functions throughout life.
Scientific research has demonstrated their benefits for:
- Cardiovascular health, by supporting normal heart function and healthy blood lipid levels.
- Brain health, by contributing to cognitive performance and supporting healthy brain development.
- Eye health, as DHA is a major structural component of the retina and plays a key role in maintaining normal vision.
- Healthy aging, through their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in preserving cognitive function.
As populations age and awareness of preventive healthcare increases, global demand for sustainable omega-3 continues to accelerate.
Aquaculture: A Strategic Market for Omega-3
Aquaculture is one of the largest consumers of EPA and DHA worldwide.
Carnivorous fish species, particularly salmonids, require high levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to ensure healthy growth, robust immune function, and high nutritional quality of the final seafood products.
These nutrients are especially critical during the early stages of fish development, when they support:
- Cell membrane formation
- Brain development
- Visual development
- Growth performance
- Survival rates
Maintaining adequate EPA and DHA levels in aquaculture feed is therefore essential for both animal welfare and the nutritional value of farmed fish destined for human consumption.
The Limitations of Fish Oil
For decades, EPA and DHA have been obtained primarily from fish oil.
Although effective, this production model depends heavily on wild fisheries, placing increasing pressure on marine ecosystems that are already operating at or beyond sustainable harvesting limits.
As demand continues to rise, fish oil alone cannot sustainably meet future omega-3 needs.
Alternative production technologies are already emerging. Most commercial algae-derived omega-3 oils are currently produced using heterotrophic fermentation, in which microorganisms consume plant-derived carbon sources such as glucose obtained from corn, wheat, or sugar cane.
While fermentation reduces dependence on fish resources, it still relies on agricultural feedstocks and does not directly capture atmospheric or industrial CO₂.
Photosynthetic Microalgae: A New Generation of Sustainable Omega-3
CarbonWorks is developing a fundamentally different approach.
Its proprietary technology enables the large-scale cultivation of photosynthetic microalgae, allowing the direct production of EPA and DHA while simultaneously capturing and utilizing CO₂ through photosynthesis.
Unlike conventional fermentation processes, photosynthetic production transforms carbon dioxide into valuable biomass using sunlight as the primary energy source, creating a highly sustainable production pathway.
This innovative platform combines several major advantages:
- Renewable production of EPA and DHA
- Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
- Reduced dependence on marine resources
- Lower environmental footprint
- Circular carbon economy
- Scalable industrial production
Beyond Fish Oil: Building a More Sustainable Omega-3 Industry
The transition toward algae-derived omega-3 is becoming one of the major transformations of the nutrition industry.
Photosynthetic microalgae offer an opportunity to secure the long-term supply of EPA and DHA while supporting global decarbonization efforts and protecting marine biodiversity.
Their applications extend beyond dietary supplements to aquaculture, functional foods, infant nutrition, pet food, and pharmaceutical ingredients.
As demand for sustainable ingredients continues to grow, microalgae are expected to become one of the world’s leading sources of high-quality omega-3.
Conclusion
The future of EPA and DHA production lies beyond the oceans.
By harnessing the power of photosynthetic microalgae, CarbonWorks is contributing to a new generation of sustainable omega-3 production that combines biotechnology, carbon capture, and environmental responsibility.
This innovative approach has the potential to transform both human nutrition and aquaculture, while preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.