Algae Farm: a Step Closer to Marketing Algae Booster

On May 22, 2008, Green Star Products, Inc. announced that a major breakthrough had been achieved, which substantially increases the algae production rate of certain strains of microalgae.

This all natural growth formula is now being studied on five continents. The first preliminary tests of the growth formula have come from John A. Lednicky PhD, principal scientist at Midwest Research Institute (MRI). The Midwest Research Institute is a prestigious non-profit organization, which has co-managed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) along with Batlelle.

Dr. Lednicky's tested the Montana Micronutrient Booster (MMB) growth formula and his results agree with testing completed at the University of Baja California in Ensenada Mexico (See GSPI press release dated May 22, 2008). Dr. Lednicky tested GSPI's MMB natural growth formula on two algae strains, one freshwater and one saltwater, and found that both test strains did grow 200 percent more in algae biomass compared to their respective controls. Dr. Lednicky's tests also indicated that the increase in biomass also included cells that lived longer and were larger in size.

This discovery provides one more link in the research currently being conducted to understand the viability of using algae as another alternative fuel source. The test concluded that the sample grew more algae mass, there is no link from the test that associates the tested algae with fuel. MRI firmly believes that the energy solutions will require a portfolio of renewable and alternative energy sources.

Nevertheless, Green Star believes that the NREL Aquatic Species Program conclusions were correct in respect to the potential of algae to produce biodiesel. NREL in a 17-year study that incorporated 12 universities, had determined that, "High oil-producing algae can be used to produce biodiesel, a chemically modified natural oil that is emerging as an exciting new option for diesel engines. At the same time, algae technology provides a means for recycling waste carbon from fossil fuel combustion. Algal biodiesel is one of the only avenues available for high-volume re-use of CO2 generated in power plants. It is a technology that marries the potential need for carbon disposal in the electric utility industry with the need for clean-burning alternatives to petroleum in the transportation sector."

Joseph LaStella, President of Green Star, stated, "These initial confirmations of earlier studies, which now also include both salt and freshwater algae, are far reaching. It is important to note again that algae can produce oil 50 to 100 times faster than traditional oil crops (soy, canola, etc.) and does not require fertile crop land nor copious fresh water resources. Algae, like other plants, actually consume (eat) CO2 in gigantic amounts. CO2 is one of the major Global Warming Gases."

Green Star and many laboratories around the world are now researching the effect of the MMB formula on other algae strains to identify which strains respond to the formula; the nutritional mechanisms that are involved in increasing algae biomass; and, the optimum concentration of the MMB formula for different algae strains. Presently, MMB concentration ratios that vary from 6,000 to 1 through 20,000 to 1 have indicated excellent results.

Mr. LaStella also stated that confirmations of the MMB effectiveness like the results by MRI will greatly accelerate the MMB application research worldwide, including GSPI's own research.

In conclusion, Mr. LaStella, in agreement with MRI, stated that the U.S. needs a portfolio of alternative energy sources. Green Star along with its consortium partners have spent considerable time and expense developing the biorefinery concept, which incorporates several alternative energy technologies under one roof including cellulosic ethanol, algae biodiesel and biogas. Additionally to biofuel production, the biorefinery also produces renewable steam, electricity, fertilizer and specialty chemicals from agricultural and municipal waste (see GSPI biorefinery press release titled "Saline County Missouri Approves $141 Million Revenue Bonds for Alternative Energy" dated July 31, 2008).

The algae growth booster formula is not yet a commercial product. Pending the outcome of further testing, GSPI plans to start marketing the product next year. GSPI will be the worldwide distributor of the MMB formula and has already received many requests to purchase the product as it becomes available.