For Immediate Release

Contact:

Martek Biosciences Corporation The Carnegie Institution of Washington

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Peter L. Buzy, CFO Tina McDowell

410-740-0081 202-939-1120

Scientific Scientific

Dr. David Kyle, Senior Vice President, Dr. Arthur Grossman

Research & Development 650-325-1521 ext. 212

410-740-0081



FUNDAMENTAL PATENT ON ALGA GENE EXPRESSION AWARDED TO MARTEK & CARNEGIE

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COMMERCIAL RIGHTS TO MARTEK

COLUMBIA, Md.ÑApril 11, 2000--Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) and The Carnegie Institution of Washington today announced that they have been issued US Patent # 6,027,900 for Methods and Tools for Transformation of Eukaryotic Algae. Technology protected under this patent is a cornerstone to developing valuable products from the enormous algal gene pool. Martek has the rights to develop all commercial applications of the patent.

This patent is based on technology developed by Dr. Kirk Apt and Dr. Arthur Grossman at The Department of Plant Biology of the Carnegie Institution and by Martek and partially funded by Martek, to introduce DNA into specific algae. During this effort a significant discovery was made that the promotor section of genes involved with algal photosynthesis could drive the expression of genes from other organisms. This latter finding solved a fundamental problem of generating high levels of gene expression in algae. Generally, the promotors used to express genes in animal and plant cells do not work well in algae.

Patent coverage includes the use of valuable selectable markers for algal transformations that are used to identify and isolate new recombinant algal strains easily. It also provides Martek with commercial rights over any DNA vectors containing these promoters as well as any algal cells transformed with such vectors. "This patent clearly establishes Martek Biosciences as the commercial leader in algal biotechnology. It allows the Company to start mining the algal genome for new traits that may be incorporated into agricultural crops to increase their value. Going the other way, it also allows the Company to incorporate valuable plant and animal proteins into the algae themselves" stated Henry Linsert, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Martek.

This is the first in what the Company hopes will be a string of patents securing its intellectual property position in the field of algal genomics. Knowledge of transferring genes in and out of eukaryotic algae is in its infancy, and this new patent represents a breakthrough in the ability to identify and use valuable genes in algae. The CompanyÕs immediate interest is in the identification of algal genes involved in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, Vitamin E, sterols, isoflavones, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because of the similarity in genetic structure and biochemical pathways between algae and higher (agronomic) plants, many scientists believe that algae will represent an excellent source of new genes for the production of valuable neutraceutical compounds.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including statements regarding the potential benefits of Martek's technology. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause future actual results to differ due to a variety of risk factors, including but not limited to those factors set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1999 and other filed reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.



The Carnegie Institution of Washington (www.carnegieinstitution.org) has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research since 1902. It is a private nonprofit organization with five research departments in the U.S.: Terrestrial Magnetism, Plant Biology, Observatories, Embryology and Geophysical Laboratory. The Department of Plant Biology, located on the Stanford University campus, began as the Desert Laboratory in 1903. Throughout its existence, the department has been a leader in the fields of photosynthesis, experimental taxonomy, and plant physiology.

Martek Biosciences Corporation (www.martekbio.com) develops and sells products from microalgae. The Company's products include: (1) specialty, nutritional oils for infant formula, nutritional supplements and food ingredients that may play a beneficial role in promoting mental and cardiovascular health, and in the development of the eyes and central nervous system in newborns; (2) high value reagents and technologies to visualize molecular interactions for drug discovery and development and; (3) powerful fluorescent markers for diagnostics, rapid miniaturized screening, and gene and protein detection.