Biologically Active Metabolites Synthesized by Microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae are microorganisms that have different morphological, physiological, and genetic traits that confer the ability to produce different biologically active metabolites. Microalgal biotechnology has become a subject of study for various fields, due to the varied bioproducts that can be obtained from these microorganisms. When microalgal cultivation processes are better understood, microalgae can become an environmentally friendly and economically viable source of compounds of interest, because production can be optimized in a controlled culture. The bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, among others. Furthermore, these microorganisms have the ability to promote health and reduce the risk of the development of degenerative diseases. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss bioactive metabolites produced by microalgae for possible applications in the life sciences.

Microalgae biopeptides applied in nanofibers for the development of active packaging

“…These include lipids, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins. The biopeptides of microalgal source have applications as dietary supplements, health promoters and more recently they have been suggested for inclusion in active packaging [9] . Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that has GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification, with high protein content and is a source of biopeptides with antioxidant activity [10] .…”

Subcritical Water Technology for Enhanced Extraction of Biochemical Compounds fromChlorella vulgaris

“…Microalgal primary metabolites, such as proteins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, are produced intracellularly and entrapped within the cells; thus an effective extraction technology is required to release these biochemical products [3]. The primary metabolites are source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins and enzymes, which are commercially beneficial due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiobesity, and anticancer properties [3].…”

Can Microalgae Act as Source of Preservatives in Food Chain?

“…This may be related to the artificial conditions used in culture media, including the lack of specific nutrients required for growth or the absence of positive microbial interactions [41]. Innovative cultivation methods are also required to improve the exploitation of the biomass derived from marine microalgae that represents a great but still underexplored source of valuable chemical constituents to promote health and reduce the risk of the development of degenerative diseases [42].…”

“…Thus culture manipulation by adapting specific condition to cultivate can modulate their metabolism, influencing compounds of interest biosynthesis and possibly increase compounds produced. Cell culture conditions manipulation is mainly achieved by changing abiotic factors such as incubation temperature, pH of the medium, period of cultivation, as well as salinity, light intensity and nutrients [42].…”