Crypthecodinium Cohnii (Red algae)

Crypthecodinium Cohnii is a type of marine microalgae species, it's classification and division is Dinoflagellatta. Dinoflagellates are microscopic, unicellular, flagellated, photosynthetic protists, they are characterized by a transverse flagellum that encircles the body and a longitudinal flagellum oriented perpendicular to the transverse flagellum.

The dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii has been identified as a good producer of DHA. C. cohnii can accumulate lipid to over 20% of its biomass dry weight, with a high content of DHA (over 30% of the total lipid). Other PUFAs represent less than 1% of the C. cohnii-derived oil.  

Red algae (Crypthecodinium Cohnii) is a natural high producer of DHA. It is an omega-3 fatty acid found in tissue throughout the body. It is a major structural fatty acid in the gray matter of the brain and the retina of the eye, and is a key component of heart tissue. DHA is important for proper brain and eye development in infants and has been shown to support cardiovascular health in adults. Increasing evidence supports that especially the omega-3 PUFAs (Polyunsaturated fatty acid) are beneficial for long-term human health. They may reduce or inhibit risk factors involved in various diseases like cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory and immune disorders. 

The heterotrophic microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii is an interesting source for DHA production and for research on DHA biosynthesis. Microorganisms, in particular the marine algae, are thought to be the primary producers of omega-3 PUFAs in the marine food chain.  Although marine fish and mammals appear to have some capacity for de novo biosynthesis of omega-3 PUFAs, the majority of the PUFAs in their body originate from their diet.

Microorganisms capable of producing PUFAs containing 20 or more carbon atoms include lower fungi, bacteria and marine microalgae.  With few exceptions, bacteria are probably not suitable as SCO producers, as they do not accumulate high amounts of triacylglycerols High levels of DHA are also found in dinoflagellates, such as Crypthecodinium cohnii.  Dinoflagellates are early eukaryotic marine algae that can be phototrophic and/or heterotrophic and form an important part of the marine plankton.