The Importance and Prospects of the Use of Algae in Agribusiness

Abstract

Agribusiness could be the most promising sector for algae biomass exploitation and popularization. In this paper we summarize the scope of interests in agribusiness which can be fulfilled with algae exploitation. A high growth rate, a high ability to bind carbon dioxide and the potential to accumulate biogenic elements and light metals mean that algae can be used as a raw material for production of biofertilizers, biopesticides, feeds and feed additives. The use of the means of agricultural production based on algae can take place both in organic and conventional agriculture. The development of innovative and low-cost technologies of algae production, including the possibilities of their use in rural areas, provide a basis for changes, improvements and modifications to the existing solutions in the scope of production and use of industrial means of agricultural production. We also show that although there are quite diverse methods of production, and various micro and macro species diversified in chemical content, the economic viability of algae-based agribusiness is still in its infancy. The wide utilization of algae for food product manufacturing opens alternative ways for food acquisition, protecting both the food supply and the planet’s resources. The sustainability aspects of mass algae production implementation seem to be indisputable regarding possible benefits resulting from such technology. The versatility of algae application in food products, along with the very high nutritive and bioactive profile of this ingredient, make this resource of high importance in a low-emission economy.

Valorisation of algal biomass to value-added metabolites: emerging trends and opportunities

“…Literally, algal biomass can venture into various agricultural and biotechnological industries that manufacture viable products for humans and other living forms. Their state in the global energy market is growing every year which shows immense potentials for green technologies (Piwowar 2020 ). In recent years, advanced technologies namely the synthetic biology, combined algal biomass processing, phenomics and Industry 4.0 approach etc., play phenomenal roles in improvising the algal metabolites (Fabris et al 2020 ).…”

Sustainable approaches towards wastewater treatment using algal technology along with management of post-harvest biomass

“…Algae are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, etc., therefore, can be used in making health drinks, cookies/biscuits, protein bars, as thickening agents in ice-creams, marmalade, jellies, etc. (Piwowar and Harasym, 2020). Nowadays, various food supplements are being prepared from microalgal biomass.…”

Antiviral Potential of Algal Metabolites—A Comprehensive Review

“…Algae and their extracts have numerous applications and have historically stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizer [ 10 ], feed [ 11 ] and food [ 12 ]. They comprise a very diverse group of organisms, not only in terms of their morphology, from microscopic unicellular organisms to seaweeds reaching 30 m in length but particularly in terms of the enormous diversity encoded in their genomes.…”