Abstract
Microalgae represent a potential source of renewable nutrition and there is growing interest in algae-based dietary supplements in the form of whole biomass, e.g., Chlorella and Arthrospira, or purified extracts containing omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. The commercial production of bioactive compounds from microalgae is currently challenged by the biorefinery process. This review focuses on the biochemical composition of microalgae, the complexities of mass cultivation, as well as potential therapeutic applications. The advantages of open and closed growth systems are discussed, including common problems encountered with large-scale growth systems. Several methods are used for the purification and isolation of bioactive compounds, and many products from microalgae have shown potential as antioxidants and treatments for hypertension, among other health conditions. However, there are many unknown algal metabolites and potential impurities that could cause harm, so more research is needed to characterize strains of interest, improve overall operation, and generate safe, functional products.
Highlights
Algae are a complex, polyphyletic assemblage of photosynthetic organisms
Macroalgal lipids have been explored for their effects, and Khan et al [244] reported the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids from the edible brown seaweed, Undaria pinnatifid; stearidonic acid (SDA) was active against phorbol myristate acetate-induced ear inflammation while Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was active against edema, erythema, and blood flow in mice
Whole microalgal biomass and extracted high-value co-products are currently used in nutraceuticals and as ingredients in functional foods
Summary
Polyphyletic assemblage of (mostly) photosynthetic organisms. Organisms in the algae include diverse micro- and macroscopic forms that are distributed across the tree of life, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic members [1], making algae the most genetically-diverse set of organisms on the planet. Several bioactive compounds have been discovered and purified from marine microalgae, including sulfated polysaccharides [17], marennine [18], various carotenoids (e.g., astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene [19,20]), omega-3 fatty acids [21], and polyphenols [22]. Some of these metabolites have demonstrated biological activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties [23,24,25]. There are emergent biological and economic challenges associated with the large-scale cultivation of microalgae and the biorefinery process that must be addressed to ensure the sustainable production of high-value products with nutritional and health benefits
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