FAQs

TrueSolum is an organic and proprietary liquid that is produced from the cultivation of chlorella microalgae. The product contains useful algae metabolites that are expressed during the growth process of the microalgae. It does not contain actual algae biomass.

TrueSolum contains certain metabolites which stimulate the natural microbial activity in the soil. The increase in beneficial microorganisms leads to improved soil quality and better nutrient uptake by the plant.

• Works as a signaler between crops and soil microbes
• Improves nutrient uptake in crops

Application of TrueSolum will vary based on crop and geography. Please visit our Toolbox for general guidelines or contact our team to discuss your specific situation.

Farmers have seen the following benefits:

• Improved soil quality
• Increased yield
• Enhanced root vigor
• Extended shelf life
• Elevated crop quality

TrueSolum works with several third party researchers, including Florida Ag Research, Pacific Ag Research and University of Florida. In addition we work directly with farmers to test our product in their fields proving its value to the farmer, while we collect data to better understand our product and its uses.

TrueSolum has been used extensively on many types of crops with great success. We have seen positive results with corn, soybeans, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, melons, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower, chilis, avocados, table grapes, and squash. We are currently conducting further field trials in corn, soybeans, cabbage, hops, peas, grasses, oranges, winter wheat, spring barley and beans. We have an on-going research planned with both third parties and farmers to explore additional crop applications.

Yes, TrueSolum is OMRI certified and GMO free. There may be variations in qualification based on your location please check with local authorities to ensure that OMRI certification is acceptable.

There are two basic types of algae, macroalgae and microalgae. The key difference between macroalgae and microalgae is that macroalgae are large and multicellular aquatic photosynthetic plant-like organisms, most people call it seaweed, while microalgae are small and unicellular aquatic photosynthetic plant-like organisms. It is estimated that there are about 800,000 species of algae, but only about 50,000 have been identified.

Currently TrueAlgae is growing the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. But our growth system is capable of growing many types of algae.

Microalgae are autotrophic, just like land plants. This means that they can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Microalgae will grow in both fresh and salt water but is species dependent.

TrueNutra is the cultured water produced when growing algae. It contains valuable metabolites that interact with the animal’s microbiome, increasing healthy bacteria which may improve nutrient absorption and immune response.

In tests with laying chickens, TrueNutra enhanced the health of the chicken, improved feed conversion ratio, increased egg production, and improved the quality of both the egg yolks and egg whites.

For broilers, TrueNutra had similar effects in health and feed conversion ratio as with the laying chickens. In addition, meat quality was improved.

The TrueNutra metabolite rich water is easily added to the drinking water for animals.

We verified the amazing benefits of algae metabolites with laying hens and broilers and continue to focus on creating the data needed to commercialize TrueNutra. We hypothesize that these metabolites can support other animals’ health and productivity, as their influence on the microbiome of other species would be the same as in chickens.

Algae contain the same nutrients as land-based plants. Microalgae, in particular, are very fast growing and, when grown in the right conditions, can multiply several times over in 24 hours. This allows for large amounts to be produced in a very short time. In addition, when using TrueAlgae’s technology, algae can be grown in efficient vertical bioreactors. This means that growing algae will not compete for precious farm land that is needed for fresh food production. Therefore, microalgae can produce many of the same products as land plants in a shorter time and with minimal land use.

CO₂, the most prevalent green-house gas, is created by the combustion of fossil fuels. Algae use CO₂ from the environment along with sunlight to grow through photosynthesis. Through this process algae convert CO₂ to carbon, which they use for energy, and oxygen, which is released into the environment, improving air quality and reducing green-house gases.

Algae are a natural part of the ecosystem and are necessary to preserve the delicate balance of our environment. Unfortunately, harmful agricultural runoffs caused by chemical fertilizers are destroying this delicate balance. These runoffs provide excess nitrogen and phosphorus, delicious nutrients for algae, making them grow and multiply much faster than nature intended. This overgrowth causes the negative image sometimes associated with algae, but algae is not the true bad actor.

Algae contain the same macro and micronutrients that you find in foods. They have the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbohydrates and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. In fact, many algae have higher concentrations of some of the most sought after nutritional components people are seeking for health and wellness.

TrueAlgae currently grows chlorella vulgaris but the technology is capable of growing many strains of microalgae.

Chlorella is a green algae and spirulina is a blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. Both are rich sources of nutrients with chlorella having slightly higher calories due to a higher amount of fat, particularly omega-3 fat. Spirulina has slightly more protein. Both are terrific sources of antioxidants.

Algae’s taste profile varies depending on where it is grown and the level of certain nutrients in the algae. Freshwater green algae have more of a grassy taste. TrueAlgae’s intention is to purify the specific nutrients from the algae to derive bland tasting and smelling compounds that can easily be added to a variety of foods and beverages.

TrueAlgae grows microalgae in vertical photobioreactors that are easily emptied by opening a valve. We then filter the algae biomass and collect the cultivated water, using each component for different applications. The tubes are replenished with fresh, sterilized water where the algae again multiply rapidly. Due to the rapid growth we are able to harvest 50% of the tubes on a daily basis.

A photobioreactor (PBR) is a bioreactor that utilizes a light source to cultivate phototrophic microorganisms, usually in clear tubes. Vertical refers to the tube’s placement, thus minimizing the foot print of the bioreactor. The organisms grown in PBRs use photosynthesis to generate biomass from light and carbon dioxide. Within the artificial environment of a photobioreactor, specific conditions are carefully controlled. Thus, a photobioreactor allows much higher growth rates and purity levels than anywhere in nature or habitats similar to nature.

Closed-loop means that there are no external influences effecting the outcome of the process. In the case of TrueAlgae, this means we control every aspect of growing the algae allowing for production of a very consistent end product. This also means that there are no contaminants that may be present in algae grown in open ponds and raceways and no variability of quality and content.

In closed-loop systems there are tight controls over the environment in which the microalgae grow. This means there are no external influences on the growth and no risk of contamination as may be seen in open ponds and raceways. In addition, products coming from a controlled environment are more consistent harvest to harvest versus an uncontrolled environment.

TrueAlgae’s current facility has a 36 metric ton capacity. Because our technology is easily scalable and modular, we can expand to the needs of the market place rapidly.

Yes. TrueAlgae’s technology includes a special water cleaning system that provides a pure growing environment for the algae.

TrueAlgae’s technology is designed specifically for freshwater microalgae. We are currently working on expanding our capabilities to include saltwater microalgae as well.