Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have profound health effects on humans and animals. Currently, DHA serves as a health supplement for humans. It is also incorporated in aquaculture feeds in the form of fish oil to maintain vitality and enhance the survival rate of aquaculture species. A marine protist, Schizochytrium mangrovei, has been isolated from mangroves in Hong Kong. This species can produce a very high yield of DHA compared with published results derived from other strains. This project aims to investigate the physiological parameters leading to a high yield of DHA in batch cultures to pave the way for large-scale DHA production in fermentors. Although a few US companies are marketing DHA products, the lack of any commercial developments in Asia and the enormous aquaculture industry in the South Pacific region warrants investment in the further investigation of Schizochytrium mangrovei for high DHA production.

Contact Information
Mr H Y Wong
Director, Technology Transfer Office
City University of Hong Kong
83 Tat Chee Avenue
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel : (852) 2788 8428
Fax : (852) 2788 9119
Email : hy.wong@cityu.edu.hk