A Strategic Biological Asset for the Global Bioeconomy
SBC has developed a growing microalgae biodiversity portfolio through years of exploration and scientific research across Sarawak’s unique ecosystems. This collection represents a strategic biological asset with significant potential for commercialisation across multiple high-growth biotechnology sectors.
To systematically evaluate commercial potential, SBC has classified its microalgae strains according to biotechnology applications following the framework proposed by Kafarski (2012), grouping them into four major bioeconomy sectors: green, yellow, red, and white biotechnology.
These sectors represent key areas of global industrial growth where microalgae-derived products are increasingly being adopted as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials and processes.
Total Microalgae Strains in SBC Collection
Number of Strains: 313
Industry Applications: Biofuels, biofertilisers, carbon capture, environmental bioremediation
Number of Strains: 171
Industry Applications: Food innovation, functional foods, alternative proteins
Number of Strains: 68
Industry Applications: Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biomedical applications
Number of Strains: 10
Industry Applications: Industrial biotechnology and bio-based manufacturing
Number of Strains: 224
Industry Applications: Strains with applications yet to be explored
The green biotechnology sector represents the largest portion of the collection, reflecting the strong potential of microalgae in supporting the transition towards renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and carbon utilisation technologies.
Meanwhile, the yellow biotechnology sector highlights opportunities in the rapidly expanding global market for nutritional ingredients, alternative proteins, and functional foods.
The red biotechnology sector presents opportunities for pharmaceutical and health-related innovations, while white biotechnology represents emerging opportunities in industrial bio-manufacturing.
Most notably, 224 strains remain scientifically unexplored, representing a valuable pipeline for future discoveries and intellectual property development.
