Skip to main content Scroll Top
creative-agenct-light-circle-01 (Demo)
Harnessing microalgae to deliver pure, powerful astaxanthin for health and wellness.

Unlocking Astaxanthin’s Potential: Insights from Iconthin Biotech

What is Astaxanthin

Iconthin image2 (1)

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment primarily produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It is widely recognized as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants and is responsible for the red coloration found in salmon, shrimp, and other marine organisms that accumulate it through their diet. Natural astaxanthin has gained significant attention in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and aquaculture industries for its stability and biological activity.

Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural astaxanthin derived from microalgae exists in a unique molecular form that contributes to its strong antioxidant properties. Research has shown that astaxanthin can help neutralize free radicals and support cellular health by protecting lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative stress.

Due to these properties, natural astaxanthin is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, skincare formulations, and aquaculture feed. As demand grows for sustainable and naturally sourced ingredients, microalgae-derived astaxanthin has become a preferred solution for manufacturers seeking high-quality antioxidant ingredients.

Health Benefits of

Potent Antioxidant
Astaxanthin protects cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, helping maintain overall cellular health and vitality.
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces inflammation throughout the body, supporting general wellness and aiding in the management of chronic conditions.
Eye & Skin Support
Helps preserve eye health, prevent strain, and improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance.
Heart & Cognitive Wellness
Supports cardiovascular function, promotes healthy blood flow, and helps maintain optimal brain and cognitive performance.
Potent Antioxidant
Astaxanthin protects cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, helping maintain overall cellular health and vitality.
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces inflammation throughout the body, supporting general wellness and aiding in the management of chronic conditions.
Eye & Skin Support
Helps preserve eye health, prevent strain, and improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance.
Heart & Cognitive Wellness
Supports cardiovascular function, promotes healthy blood flow, and helps maintain optimal brain and cognitive performance.
creative-agency-dark-01 (Demo)
Iconthin Images

Purity

Untitled design (1)

Stability

Iconthin Biotech Website - Algae Asta

Easy Production

Untitled design

Sensory

Iconthin Biotech Website - Algae Asta (1)

Lowest contaminants possible. Plasticizers simply aren't there.

Independent mass-spectrometry screening shows plasticizers and other process contaminants commonly found in market astaxanthin are not detected in AlgaeAsta. Cleaner input means cleaner label claims and fewer regulatory headches.

Typical Market Astaxanthin

Endocrine-disrupting plasticizers commonly leached from packaging and processing equipment.

Commonly Detected

AlgaeAsta®

Astaxanthin

3rd-generation closed bioreactors + supercritical CO2 extraction leave nothing behind but the molecule.

Not Detected

Independent mass-spectrometry screening shows plasticizers and other process contaminants commonly found in market astaxanthin are not detected in AlgaeAsta. Cleaner input means cleaner label claims and fewer regulatory headches.

Typical Market Astaxanthin

Combustion byproducts often introduced during solvent-based or high-heat extraction.

Frequently Present

AlgaeAsta®

Astaxanthin

3rd-generation closed bioreactors + supercritical CO2 extraction leave nothing behind but the molecule.

Not Detected

Independent mass-spectrometry screening shows plasticizers and other process contaminants commonly found in market astaxanthin are not detected in AlgaeAsta. Cleaner input means cleaner label claims and fewer regulatory headches.

Typical Market Astaxanthin

Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury accumulated from open-pond cultivation water.

Trace to Elevated

AlgaeAsta®

Astaxanthin

3rd-generation closed bioreactors + supercritical CO2 extraction leave nothing behind but the molecule.

Below LOQ

Independent mass-spectrometry screening shows plasticizers and other process contaminants commonly found in market astaxanthin are not detected in AlgaeAsta. Cleaner input means cleaner label claims and fewer regulatory headches.

Typical Market Astaxanthin

Ethanol, hexane and acetone residues left behind by traditional solvent extraction.

Detectable

AlgaeAsta®

Astaxanthin

3rd-generation closed bioreactors + supercritical CO2 extraction leave nothing behind but the molecule.

Zero Residue

98% esterification. More stable astaxanthin, by nature of bonds.

Astaxanthin in AlgaeAsta® is overwhelmingly present in its esterified form - the naturally more stable, longer-lasting molecular state. While typical market material sits at roughly 90-95%, our 98% esterification ratio means superior shelf life, oxidation resistance, and formulation integrity.
Source organism Haematococcus pluvialis
AlgaeAsta® 98%
98%
Other astaxanthin 90%
90%
Why it matters?
Higher esterification slows degradation under heat, light, and oxygen - protecting potency from your facility to the consumer’s shelf.
Formats and Applications

Our astaxanthin oleoresins are extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae and are available in 5% and 10% concentrations. These food-grade products are perfect for use in dietary supplements and functional foods.

Our 2% microencapsulated powder is cold water dispersible, suitable for vegan products and is food-grade, providing an easy-to-use option for dietary supplements, functional foods, and drink powders.

Our 1% nano-encapsulated emulsion is available in both food and cosmetic grade, ensuring versatility in product applications ranging from beverage to cosmetic products.

Our high potency astaxanthin powder contains an impressive 60% astaxanthin concentration, making it a powerful food-grade option for dietary supplements in various formats including gummies and capsules.

Our 3% astaxanthin oil is a cost-effective solution specifically designed for use in animal feed applications, promoting health and well-being in aquaculture and pet food industries.

Low viscosity.

High efficiency.

Easier to handle On your line.

Our supercitical CO2-extracted astaxanthin oil flows cleaner and thinner than convertionally extracted oils. Lower viscosity means easier pumping, more precise dosing, faster filling, and less waste - a genuine manufacturing advantage, not just a spec - sheet footnote.
Untitled design (1)
Less Waste

Cleaner flow means less residue, faster changeovers, and better yield.

Untitled design (2)
Smoother Flow

ScCO₂-extracted oil pours and pumps more easily than solvent-extracted oil.

Untitled design (3)
Precise Dosing

Lower viscosity improves fill-weight accuracy and consistency.

Less algae taste.

Less algae smell.

Pure efficacy, Zero distraction.

Conventional astaxanthin carries the earthy, pond-like character of its origin - a sensory burden that limits dosage and consumer acceptance. AlgaeAsta’s closed -bioreactor cultivation and ScCO2 extraction strip away the volatile compounds behind that odor and flavor, leaving a clean ingredient your finished products won’t have to mask.
Untitled design (4)
Milder Taste

Lower bitterness and earthy aftertaste

Untitled design (5)
Cleaner Label

Less need for masking flavors and coatings.

Untitled design (6)
Reduced Odor

Fewer volatile sulfur and aldehyde compounds

Formats and Applications

Our astaxanthin oleoresins are extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae and are available in 5% and 10% concentrations. These food-grade products are perfect for use in dietary supplements and functional foods.

Our 2% microencapsulated powder is cold water dispersible, suitable for vegan products and is food-grade, providing an easy-to-use option for dietary supplements, functional foods, and drink powders.

Our 1% nano-encapsulated emulsion is available in both food and cosmetic grade, ensuring versatility in product applications ranging from beverage to cosmetic products.

Our high potency astaxanthin powder contains an impressive 60% astaxanthin concentration, making it a powerful food-grade option for dietary supplements in various formats including gummies and capsules.

Our 3% astaxanthin oil is a cost-effective solution specifically designed for use in animal feed applications, promoting health and well-being in aquaculture and pet food industries.

Evolution of Microalgae Cultivation
1st Gen
Open Raceway Pond
Traditional method prone to contamination, with limited control and lower productivity.
2nd Gen
Tubular Photobioreactor
Advanced system improves control and product quality but depends on weather and location.
3rd Gen
Closed Bioreactors
State-of-the-art closed systems enable year-round, high-concentration, contaminant-free astaxanthin production.
Iconthin Images (12)

We Chose the Best

By using state-of-the-art 3rd generation closed bioreactors, AlgaeAsta delivers consistently high-quality, contaminant-free astaxanthin year-round. This advanced cultivation method ensures maximum concentration, stable production, and superior efficiency, providing premium microalgae ingredients that enhance health, wellness, and functional applications more reliably than traditional methods.

3rd-Generation V.S. 1st-Generation

Productivity
95%
38%
Purity
100%
70%
Consitency
98%
57%
Productivity
95%
Purity
99%
Consistency
98%
By using state-of-the-art 3rd generation closed bioreactors, AlgaeAsta delivers consistently high-quality, contaminant-free astaxanthin year-round. This advanced cultivation method ensures maximum concentration, stable production, and superior efficiency, providing premium microalgae ingredients that enhance health, wellness, and functional applications more reliably than traditional methods.
default

Advanced Closed Bioreactors vs. Open Ponds

UP TO
Higher annual productivity
0
×
Higher Annual Productivity
Lower contamination risk
0
%
Lower Contamination Risk
Smaller land footprint
0
%
Smaller Land Footprint
Controlled, year-round cultivation delivers greater productivity, cleaner growth conditions and more efficient use of land.

Stuck in the Past

Iconthin Images (13)

Traditional Solvent-Based Extraction

For many years, astaxanthin has commonly been extracted using solvent-based extraction methods. This process relies on organic chemical solvents such as ethanol or hexane to dissolve and separate astaxanthin from microalgae biomass.

While this approach is widely used due to its relatively low cost and established processes, it is largely dependent on chemical solvents and high-temperature steps, which can impact both product purity and environmental sustainability.

Our Solution

Supercritical CO₂ Extraction

At Iconthin, we adopt Supercritical CO₂ Extraction, a cutting-edge, solvent-free technology recognized as one of the cleanest and most advanced extraction methods available today.

By using carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, we are able to extract astaxanthin with exceptional precision—without chemical solvents or excessive heat.

Iconthin Images (14)

Solvent-Free & Clean

CO₂ naturally evaporates after extraction, leaving zero solvent residue.

Maximum Potency Preserved

Low-temperature processing protects the molecular integrity and bioactivity of astaxanthin.

High Purity & Selectivity

Targeted extraction results in a cleaner, more concentrated final ingredient.

Environmentally Responsible

CO₂ is recyclable, non-toxic, and significantly reduces environmental impact.

The full AlgaeAsta® specification at a glance.