SO-Colored

Microscopic algae, which inhabit virtually every environment from underwater and rocky surfaces to roadsides and within homes, are key players in shaping our current Earth environment, dating back approximately 2.7 billion years. Recent research has begun to reveal their potential as CO2 absorbers, alternatives to petroleum energy, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. Spectrum is a research project that focuses on the "color" of these microscopic algae. While algae are generally associated with a green hue, they actually display a range of colors depending on their type and growth environment, including red, yellow, and blue. This results in vibrant and deep natural colors unique to algae. In this project, we develop original pigments from microscopic algae and create products to explore new possibilities for naturally derived "colors."