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Algae gives new glow to bakeries

A luminescent cake is displayed at a biotechnology development and planning forum held yesterday at Fu Jen Catholic University. The cream coating contains an edible protein extracted from red algae endemic to Taiwan. PHOTO: CNA

Do you believe a birthday cake without candles can create the same atmosphere? Biotechnology researchers in Taiwan think that a luminescent cake they have developed can evoke the same festive atmosphere and believe that the cake has market potential.

At a biotechnology development and planning forum held yesterday at Fu Jen Catholic University in Hsinchuang, Taipei County, a biotech company put several such birthday and wedding cakes on display, attracting media attention.

The cakes, the first of their kind in Taiwan, have a beautiful luminescence because of their cream coating which contains a special protein acquired with the latest biotechnology from Taiwan's endemic red algae.

According to Cheng Chun-ming, a biotechnology scientist from National Taiwan University who started his own business several years ago and invented the cake's icing, the phosphorescent protein extracted from the red algae helps increase a cake's attractiveness but is not a health concern to consumers because it is edible.

At the forum, Cheng and his company also displayed several attractive luminescent ice sculptures.

Fu Jen Catholic University President Lee Ning-yuan (李寧遠) and Taipei County Magistrate Su Chen-chang (蘇貞昌) jointly cut one of the cakes during the forum, which featured the debuts of a number of new products.

The forum also included panel discussions on other biotechnology developments, including the research and development of anti-cancer Chinese medicines.
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