Advanced value-added bioproducts from microalgae

Abstract

Currently, the world is facing major issues of degradation of land by natural as well as anthropogenic activities such as desertification, salinization, industrialization, pollution and population growth. The limited resources and the expanding global population require alternative resources to meet the demands in the future. Microalgae are contemplated as a favorable resource for high-value products, including carotenoids, phycobilin, astaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosahexaenoic acid and omega-3/6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Although the use of algae is not new, the idea of developing high value-added products concerning sustainability, economic viability, nutrition enrichment and environmental friendliness is attracting researchers to explore more about the potential of microalgal flora. Microalgae not only thrive under extremophilic conditions but also do not compete with plants for land resources. Having a short generation period, diverse biochemical composition, low-cost nutritional needs and fixation of CO2 are also significant reasons to promote their products. Also, the biorefinery concept and sustainable cultivation possibilities can substantially add to enabling sustainable production of high-value biomolecules, while proposing opportunities for increasing sustainable food and fuel supplies. However, a few challenges like inadequate domestic demand, constant maintenance of ideal conditions for cultivation and food regulations still need to be overcome.