Thraustochytrids as an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids and enzymes

Abstract

Currently the most common microalgae used for commercial production of omega-3 fatty acids are marine derived, particularly from family members of Thraustochytriaceae and Crypthecodiniaceae. Thraustochytrids are marine heterotrophic fungi like microorganisms known to produce several commercially interesting biotechnological compounds including omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), carotenoids, sterols, exopolysaccharides and enzymes. Therefore, exploring the potential of thraustochytrids has much to offer to the commercial production of bioactive compounds. In response to growing demand for omega-3 fatty acids, various isolation, fermentation and lipid recovery strategies have been developed in recent years.