Abstract
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of synthesizing several biocompounds, including polysaccharides with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. At the same time that the accumulation of biomolecules occurs, microalgae can use wastewater and gaseous effluents for their growth, mitigating these pollutants. The increase in the production of polysaccharides by microalgae can be achieved mainly through nutritional limitations, stressful conditions, and/or adverse conditions. These compounds are of commercial interest due to their biological and rheological properties, which allow their application in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and foods. Thus, to increase the productivity and competitiveness of microalgal polysaccharides with commercial hydrocolloids, the cultivation parameters and extraction/purification processes have been optimized. In this context, this review addresses an overview of the production, characterization, and potential applications of polysaccharides obtained by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Moreover, the main opportunities and challenges in relation to obtaining these compounds are highlighted.
Highlights
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that have been attracting attention due to their versatility in producing biomass that can be transformed into several products of high commercial value
This review aims to provide an overview of the production, characterization, and potential applica760 tions of polysaccharides obtained from microalgae and cyanobacteria
Research shows that polysaccharides from microalgae and cyanothese microorganisms are recognized for their high composition of bioactive compounds, bacteria have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial such may as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phycocyanin, carotenoids,activities peptides, and polysacchaPolysaccharides from microalgae can be divided into intracellular andmay structural rides [1,16]
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The application of microalgae exopolysaccharides has surpassed the research phase, being currently applied in cosmetics [10,12] Within this context, this review aims to provide an overview of the production, characterization, and potential applica760 tions of polysaccharides obtained from microalgae and cyanobacteria. Microalgae are organisms that have been used foris decades as a source of of nutrients by cultivated usingand solar energy, wastewater, particulate materials (thermoelectric fly ashes), and humans animals These microorganisms contribute to mitigating negative impacts on theeffluents environment by of non-environmentally friendly technologies [1,13]. Research shows that polysaccharides from microalgae and cyanothese microorganisms are recognized for their high composition of bioactive compounds, bacteria have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial [2,4,17] Such may as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phycocyanin, carotenoids,activities peptides, and polysacchaPolysaccharides from microalgae can be divided into intracellular andmay structural rides [1,16].
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