Unconventional high-value products from microalgae: A review

Abstract: 

Microalgae have gained significant importance in biotechnology development, providing valuable goods and services in multiple applications. Although there is a rising market for most of these applications, the incorporation and introduction of microalgae into new venues will extend in the near future. These advances are due to the vast biodiversity of microalgal species, recent genetic engineering tools, and culture techniques. There are three main possible approaches for novel algal compounds from: (1) recently isolated yet less known microalgae; (2) selectively stressed conditions; and (3) enzymatically adjusted compounds from conventional molecules. All these approaches can be combined in a specific manner. This review discusses the opportunities, potential and limitations of introducing novel microalgae-based products, and how the recent technologies can be deployed to make these products financially viable. To give an outlook to the future, an analysis of the developments and predicted future market that further enlarge the promise of cultivating microalgae for commercial purposes are considered.

Author(s): 
Said Abu-Ghosh
Zvy Dubinsky
Vitor Verdelho
David Iluz
Keywords: 
Microalgae
Synthetic biology
Molecular farming
Fucoxanthin
Cannabinoids
Biostimulants
Article Source: 
Bioresource Technology Volume 329, June 2021, 124895
Category: 
Basic Biology
Microalgae
Seaweed composition