Algal biotechnology: A sustainable route for omega-3 fatty acid production

Abstract

The production of algal bioactive compounds, in particular, to omega-3 fatty acids, has been gaining increased attention, especially in nutraceuticals and aquaculture industries. Recently, marine algae have been regarded as a good source for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Algal cells vary in cell size, shape, cell wall structure, and characteristics; thus, it necessitates exploring various extraction methods for efficient recovery of such bioactive compounds. Effective recovery of omega-3 fatty acids from the microbial cells is subjected to the types of extraction and combination of various methods (mechanical disruption plus chemicals) employed in the process. Patent application related to microalgae ω-3‘s rich product is also discussed. The present chapter critically discussed about the biological techniques and their combinations used for the extraction of the ω-3 fatty acids.