Microphyt lays the foundation for its growth Headquartered near Montpellier, in France, this company has been developing innovative and patented technologies for the production of microalgae since 2007, the resulting ingredients being intended for the cosmetics and health nutrition markets. Supported by pre-clinical and clinical studies, these ingredients derived from microalgae aim to tackle strong-growth challenges such as “ageing well”. Actif’s Mag: What is Microphyt’s current status? Vincent Usache: 2019 was an incredibly positive year for us as it brought the recognition of the qualities of one of our fucoxan- thin-based ingredients by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In vitro, pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrated Our research focuses on the prevention of cognitive decline the benefits of these ingredients, both on weight loss and the and certain metabolic disorders in the elderly, on weight con- maintenance of cognitive functions, which are two major public trol, and skin protection, in particular against the effects of age- health challenges. In 2021, despite a difficult context, Microphyt ing, sun and urban pollution. Within five to six years, and for all has again been selected for the second French Tech 120 pro- these ranges of natural ingredients, Microphyt projects a dynam- gramme among the most promising companies. As a recognized ic growth in line with that of the microalgae market. Our portfolio specialist in natural ingredients derived from microalgae—these will include nearly ten natural ingredients dedicated to the nu- latter hold an exceptional potential—we are continuing our ex- trition sector and positioned on strong-growth market segments plorations being persuaded we can achieve great innovations at (sports nutrition, nootropics, vision, etc.) and nearly twenty ac- a rather fast pace. Moreover, Microphyt is the microalgae expert tive ingredients for cosmetics, with new product launches tightly having industrialized the largest number of new species at global scheduled: two to three new ingredients per year. level. The professionals in the sectors of food supplements and cosmetics trust our production technology, which is unique on Actif’s Mag: What is the future of the ingredients the market. Controlled and implemented at industrial scale, this derived from microalgae? And more broadly, the future technology provides innovative, high-performance, and sustain- of microalgae? able natural solutions such as Renouvellance, a natural boost- Vincent Usache: Their potential has no limits! They offer a re- er for skin’s defence that protects this latter against the harmful markably high concentration of active compounds: proteins, effects of UVs and pollution. It’s a product we have been offer- amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids or sterols, vita- ing since 2021 in our portfolio of cosmetic ingredients. Another mins, trace elements and mineral salts. Developing new ingredi- example is BrainPhyt™, a unique and innovative ingredient that ents from microalgae requires significant investments over sev- helps maintain cognitive functions in the elderly and is part of eral years. –For instance, BrainPhyt™ received in 2015 the support our nutraceutical portfolio. of the European Commission through the highly selective SME Instrument programme which supports the most innovative Actif’s Mag: What areas of development or research companies in Europe in bringing their innovations to the market. is Microphyt currently working on? To reveal this potential and promote the diversity of the most Christel Lemaire: Since its creation, Microphyt has been active- promising species, it is first and foremost necessary to use specif- ly involved in supporting the emergence of a healthier universe ic technologies. Our technology is patented. It relies on 5000-li- by extracting from microalgae the best natural ingredients to be tre tubular photobioreactors allowing the microalgae to circulate used in food supplements and cosmetics. We offer speciaty i- in a controlled environment (temperature, ventilation, light, etc.) gredients (Editor’s note: for instance, ingredients providing a spe- with an optimized flow, thereby ensuring a high-quality stand- cific function: aromas, colours, textures) and, in particular, active ardized production. ingredients (Editor’s note: providing a biological activity beyond This also requires setting up large-scale production facilities to en- the nutritional effect) that we market under brand names, such sure a high-quality and sustainable supply. In the future, we must as AstaPak (Editor’s note: natural astaxanthin) or Brainphyt™. We therefore gain critical mass and invest in our production sites in also produce tailor made ingredients. France and Europe, which is why we are building a new produc- tion facility at our longstanding Microphyt site. This will five-fold increase Microphyt’s current annual production capabilities. • #75 - 98 -GAM s’fitcA