Concentrated algal extract
The present invention relates to a composition of seaweed algal extracts having a dry matter content between 18-36%. These extracts preferably belong to Ascophyllum nodosum. The said extracts are also characterised using bioactive compounds found in them inherently. The present invention also provides a method of making the said composition and characterising the same.
1 . A seaweed algal extract comprising a percent dry matter between about 18%-36% by weight, wherein, relative to fresh weight, the algal extract has: fucoidans at 6-15 g per kg; glycine betaine at 8-47 mg per kg; laminine at 208-438 mg per kg; and mannitol at 30-60 g per kg.
2 . The extract as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the seaweed is a coldwater seaweed or brown alga of the family Phaeophyceae.
3 . The extract as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the seaweed belongs to family Fucaceae.
4 . The extract as claimed in claim 3 , the said seaweed is Ascophyllum nodosum.
5 . A process for preparation of an algal extract, said process consisting of:
a. feeding an initial algal extract comprising dry matter between 3-8% by weight to an evaporator heat exchanger;
b. passing steam through the heat exchanger, transferring heat to the initial algal extract, generating in the heat exchanger an algal extract according to claim 1 and sediment; and
c. decanting from the heat exchanger the algal extract produced in step b and removing sediment produced therefrom to produce the algal extract having a percent dry matter between about 18%-36% by weight and less than 1% alginic acid.
6 . The process as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said process further comprises adding one or more preservatives to the algal extract produced in step (b) of the process.
7 . A method of biostimulating plant physiology comprising applying to a plant the extract of claim 1 .
8 . A composition comprising an algal extract of Ascophyllum nodosum having a percent dry matter between about 18%-36% by weight and a biostimulating agent or plant-protecting composition, where the plant protecting composition comprises an herbicide, fungicide, insecticide or pesticide, and, wherein, relative to fresh weight, the algal extract has: fucoidans at 6-15 g per kg; glycine betaine at 8-47 mg per kg; laminine at 208-438 mg per kg; and mannitol at 30-60 g per kg.
9 . The composition of claim 8 , wherein the biostimulating agent is a fertilizer or micronutrient.
10 . A composition comprising an algal extract of Ascophyllum nodosum having a percent dry matter between about 18%-36% and a super absorbent polymer, wherein, relative to fresh weight, the algal extract has: fucoidans at 6-15 g per kg; glycine betaine at 8-47 mg per kg; laminine at 208-438 mg per kg; and mannitol at 30-60 g per kg.
11 . The extract as claimed in claim 4 having a percent dry matter between about 24%-30% by weight.
12 . The extract as claimed in claim 4 having a percent dry matter between about 25%-29% by weight.
13 . The extract as claimed in claim 4 having a percent dry matter between about 26%-28% by weight.
14 . The extract as claimed in claim 4 having a percent dry matter content of about 27% by weight.
15 . The process as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the initial algal extract comprises dry matter between 3-6% by weight.
16 . The process as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the one or more preservatives are selected from a group consisting of citric acid monohydrate, sodium methylparaben, potassium sorbate and sodium metabisulfite.
17 . The process as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the removal of the sediment is carried out by one or more of filtration or diatomaceous earth, filtration on a polymeric membrane, centrifugation, spray drying or addition of a thickener or an anti-settling agent.
18 . A process for preparation of an algal extract, said process consisting of:
a. feeding an initial algal extract comprising dry matter between 3-8% by weight to an evaporator heat exchanger;
b. passing steam through the heat exchanger, transferring heat to the initial algal extract, generating in the heat exchanger an algal extract and sediment; and
c. decanting from the heat exchanger the algal extract produced in step b and removing sediment produced therefrom to produce the algal extract; and, wherein the algal extract has a percent dry matter between about 18%-36% by weight;
wherein the algal extract has less than 1% alginic acid;
wherein, relative to fresh weight, the algal extract has: fucoidans at 6-15 g per kg;
glycine betaine at 8-47 mg per kg; laminine at 208-438 mg per kg; and mannitol at 30-60 g per kg.