Peru to develop natural pigment for aquaculture

The Peruvian government is funding a project through the Science and Technology Programme (FINC&T) to obtain natural astaxanthin from the farming of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

Astaxanthin is a pigment highly utilised as a natural colourant in the aquaculture, food and pharmaceutical industries, among others.

With a local production of natural astaxanthin pigment, new products for the aquaculture, food and pharmaceutical markets will be available at relatively affordable prices compared to imported products, according to Alejandro Afuso Higa, executive director of the programme.

Astaxanthin serves as a pigment for trout and other species in the aquaculture market, which adds commercial value to the products and help boost exports, he said, adding that the pigment possesses antioxidant characteristics.