Extremophile microalgae as feedstock for high-value carotenoids: A review

Abstract

There are places in our planet where environmental conditions are beyond normal limits for growth but still harbour life. Extremophile microalgae are the candidates for large-scale production because (i) their extreme growth conditions help to avoid unwanted contaminations, facilitating their production and (ii) in order to survive under harsh environments, these microorganisms synthesise valuable uncommon biomolecules. Extremophile microalgae include Arthrospira platensis, used as a source of phycocyanin and produced under highly alkaline conditions, and Dunaliella salina, which is industrially produced as a source of β-carotene and can naturally resist salinity conditions exceeding 300 g L−1. Microalgae can be produced on non-arable lands, using seawater, and within a wide range of environmental conditions, allowing their production in almost any part of the planet. The current paper aimed at highlighting the biotechnological potential of extremophile microalgae as sources for carotenoids, valuable molecules used as pigments and health-promoters.