Microalgal polyunsaturated fatty acids: Hotspots and production techniques

Abstract

Algae play a crucial role in the earth’s primary productivity by producing not only oxygen but also a variety of high-value nutrients. One such nutrient is polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are accumulated in many algae and can be consumed by animals through the food chain and eventually by humans. Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs are essential nutrients for human and animal health. However, compared with plants and aquatic sourced PUFA, the production of PUFA-rich oil from microalgae is still in the early stages of exploration. This study has collected recent reports on algae-based PUFA production and analyzed related research hotspots and directions, including algae cultivation, lipids extraction, lipids purification, and PUFA enrichment processes. The entire technological process for the extraction, purification and enrichment of PUFA oils from algae is systemically summarized in this review, providing important guidance and technical reference for scientific research and industrialization of algae-based PUFA production.

In Vitro Characterization of Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antimutagenic Activities of the Green Microalga Ettlia pseudoalveolaris

“…Moreover, the essential fatty acid ALA serves as a precursor to ω-3 PUFAs such as EPA and DHA. Thus, supplementing these precursors can help also to increase EPA or DHA levels, with a more comprehensive supplementing effect [ 41 ]. While ALA is typically found in plant-based sources such as flaxseed and chia seeds, some microalgae are also rich in this nutrient resulting a crucial source of PUFAs, especially considering that algae are the original source of ω-3 PUFAs in fish oil.…”

Characterization of halotolerant microalga isolated from waterlogged habitats: Deciphering the biochemical profiling and unraveling the molecular identity

“…These results are in agreement with the observation of Aljabri et al [37] that drying techniques impact the biomass quality of Tetraselmis subcordiformis (Chlorophyceae) and reported maximum lipid content under the freeze-drying method. The lipids in microalgae are enriched in PUFAs such as DHA, EPA, ALA, and so on, and free from cholesterol which is favorable in diseases like atherosclerosis, obesity, and blood pressure [38]. Moreover, higher lipid productivity in microalgae is a desirable factor for biofuel and biodiesel production [39].…”

Optimizing Reproductive Outcomes of Peranakan Etawa Goat with Microalgae Diet by Determining Ovarian Activity, Estradiol 17β Levels and Serum Malondialdehyde

“…Table 1 illustrates this point by comparing P2 to K-and P1 without receiving an additional microalgae feed. Microalgae include polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are involved in cellular and tissue metabolism, cell membrane fluidity and resilience, blood oxygen and electron transport, and heat adaptation (Chen et al 2023). One of the main sources of carotenoids is microalgae, which include lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, fucoxanthin, and β-carotene among other carotenoid components.…”