vitaminsia

vitaminsia is a proposed genus of microscopically visible, unicellular organisms first described in 2022 by Dr. Elena Markovic at the Institute for Microbial Biochemistry. The name derives from Latin "vitamina" (referring to the organism’s high concentration of provitamins) and the suffix "-sia," a standard taxonomic convention for fungal-like genera. Members of the genus are characterised by their spherical shape, 3–5 µm diameter, and an outer lipid membrane enriched in carotenoids.

The organisms were isolated from nutrient‑rich freshwater sediments in the Amazon basin. Morphological examination using light and electron microscopy revealed a nucleoid region and a single polar flagellum, suggesting an affinity with flagellate algae. Genetic sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene places vitaminsia within the Chlorophyta, in close relation to the genus Chloromonas. Its genome, 22 Mb, contains genes for the biosynthesis of several B‑vitamins, which have attracted interest for potential biotechnological applications.

Research into vitaminsia focuses on its metabolic pathways for vitamin synthesis. Early laboratory studies indicate that the organism can produce vitamin B12, niacin, and riboflavin in yield rates surpassing many known microbial producers. Ongoing work examines scalability of cultivation and extraction processes for commercial vitamin production. No known adverse ecological or health risks have been reported.