A One Day Industrial Visit

SRM Arts and Science College, Department of Microbiology, has organized an industrial visit on 16th October 2025 to Oferr Nallayan Spirulina Research Centre, Natham, Tamil Nadu 600130. The visit was organised by Head of the Department Dr. O.V. Ravikumar, the coordinators of the industrial visit were Dr. N. Prabha and Dr. B. F. Paul Beulah. A total of 33 Students (III UG students) with 2 faculty members visited. The students were welcomed by the research centre’s staff and given an overview of the importance of Spirulina as a nutraceutical, its nutritional composition, and its role in the health and food supplement industries.

The students were then taken to the Spirulina production unit, where they observed, the culture tanks used for microalgae cultivation. The growth medium preparation and maintenance of optimum pH, light, and temperature conditions. The harvesting process involving filtration and washing, drying and powder formulation techniques used to obtain Spirulina biomass. Packaging and quality control measures followed at the centre.

The staff also explained the research and development activities carried out at the centre for strain improvement and product formulation. Students interacted with the researchers and clarified their queries regarding large-scale production and commercialization.

The visit provided valuable insight into the industrial-scale production of Spirulina, connecting theoretical concepts learned in class with real-time applications. It enhanced the students’ understanding of microalgal biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and product development.