Health, energy, climate, nutrition …
New understanding of the marine biosphere’s resources is about to revolutionize our world. Examples:
CURING DISEASES
Anti-cancer & antibiotics
The first cancer treatment of marine origin is extracted from ascidian, a plankton filter, and has been on the market for 6 years. Today, nanotechnology is inspired by the diatom exoskeletons to target tumours while avoiding side effects. Soon, new antibiotics from sponges will combat resistent bacteria.
PRODUCING ENERGY
Biofuels & high performance batteries
The production of biodiesel from phytoplankton lipids is a path being explored for third-generation biofuels. In the field of electricity, researchers in Singapore have developed a new type of anode inspired by the structure of diatoms – 10 times more efficient than current lithium-ion batteries.
UNDERSTANDING THE climate
Plankton & Ocean Thermostat
The climatic impact of phytoplankton on the Antarctic Ocean has been quantified. Thanks to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) emitted by phytoplankton, cloud droplet density is doubled and the albedo effect is increased.
FEEDING HUMANITY
Spirulina, a micro-algae against malnutrition
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium (also called blue-green algae) with tremendous properties; it contains twelve times more digestible protein than beef. It carries extremely high concentrations of beta carotene, vitamin b-12, iron and magnesium.
This microalgae is a possible solution for malnutrition and could supply necessary protein to a growing population.
times bigger than the total land area of France
French territorial seas (containing these plancton) represents 8% of the global ocean’s surface.
Kg of Co2/seconde
are captured by plankton.
Olympic swimming pool
evaporates into the atmosphere every 3 minutes, taking plankton microorganisms along with it.
The exploitation of marine resources is an invaluable source for applications in nutrition, health, and biotechnology.
