Physiological Limitations and Solutions to Various Applications of Microalgae

Abstract

Despite over a century of research, the various applications of microalgae have only been realized only since the 1940s. With a repertoire of valuable products like biodiesel, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene, phycocyanin, chlorophyll a, polyunsaturated fatty acids, exopolymeric substance (EPS), and biohydrogen, the commercial importance of microalgae and demand for its product is gaining increasing attention. However, successful transition of the synthesis of microal-gal products from laboratory to industries has yet to be realized, even after over 70 years of extensive research. This failure of commercial success of microalgal products can be attributed to the lack of understanding of the physiological role of the products and biological constraint placed by the bioenergetics and physiology, which has been largely ignored. This chapter focuses on the physiological limitations behind synthesis of microalgal products, highlights the crucial unknowns behind the role and synthesis of these products, and hints strategies to overcome the limitations to realize the commercial dream of microalgal products.