Abstract
Introduction. Microalgae can be considered as one of the most reliable natural sources of nutrients and other valuable substances that could satisfy the growing needs in food and energy. In this review article, the global potential for the use of microalgae and the protein content of a number of microalgae is examined with a brief description of the microalgae species. Literature. Despite the high protein content and the presence of other valuable substances in microalgal biomass, microalgae mass production is still at its embryonic level. Microalgal proteins exhibit good nutritional, functional and technofunctional properties when compared to some conventional protein concentrates. Conclusions. There is therefore a need for the mass production of microalgae to be boosted by public and private institutions in order to avoid protein shortages.
Highlights
Microalgae can be considered as one of the most reliable natural sources of nutrients and other valuable substances that could satisfy the growing needs in food and energy
Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to protein extracted from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeast, fungi or bacteria used as a substitute for the conventional protein sources exploited for human and animal consumption
Some microalgal sources present a protein content higher than conventional animal or plant sources, e.g. the protein content of Spirulina paltensis is 65% higher than that of dried skimmed milk (36%), soy flour (37%), chicken (24%), fish (24%), beef (22%) and peanuts (26%) (Moorhead et al, 2011)
Summary
Microalgae can be considered as one of the most reliable natural sources of nutrients and other valuable substances that could satisfy the growing needs in food and energy. Despite the high protein content and the presence of other valuable substances in microalgal biomass, microalgae mass production is still at its embryonic level. Les microalgues comme une source potentielle de protéines d’origine unicellulaire (synthèse bibliographique) Introduction. Les microalgues peuvent être considérées comme une des sources fiables de nutriments et d’autres substances de valeur pouvant satisfaire le besoin croissant en aliment et en énergie. Le potentiel global en microalgues, la teneur en protéines et une brève description de certaines espèces de microalgues sont présentés. Malgré leur teneur élevée en protéines et en d’autres substances de valeur, la production industrielle des microalgues est encore à l’état embryonnaire.
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