Can Algae Transform Tomorrow's Science & Medicine?

More than two-thirds of our planet is covered by water, encompassing vast oceans, lakes, and rivers, yet much of this underwater world remains a mystery, with large regions still unexplored and ecosystems waiting to be discovered.

- Dr Sougata Roy, Assistant Professor of Biology, Ashoka University

Among the most vital yet overlooked inhabitants of these waters are phytoplankton, microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye, drifting silently through aquatic environments. These microscopic photosynthetic organisms not only serve as the foundation of aquatic food webs and generate oxygen to sustain aerobic life, but also are rapidly emerging as one of the most powerful and versatile resources in modern science.

As primary producers, microscopic photosynthetic organisms play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide and synthesising high-value organic compounds, which are increasingly being recognised for their significant commercial potential. While phytoplanktons continue to shed light on fascinating questions in basic science, they're also proving to be a rising star in applied science, fuelling innovations that could transform how we power our world, grow our food, and care for our health.

From combating climate change to inspiring new therapeutics, these unassuming microbes are increasingly gaining the long-overdue recognition for their significance, and their potential is only beginning to be revealed.

Like all other organisms on Earth, phytoplankton must adapt to the daily cycle of light and darkness, a fundamental rhythm driven by Earth’s rotation on its axis. Despite being unicellular, they exhibit a remarkable ability to temporally organise their metabolic processes, partitioning various metabolic tasks according to the time of day. This rhythmic regulation allows them to optimise energy production, nutrient assimilation, and growth in synchrony with environmental cues.