Thraustochytrids as an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids and enzymes

Abstract

Currently the most common microalgae used for commercial production of omega‐3 fatty acids are marine derived, particularly from family members of Thraustochytriaceae and Crypthecodiniaceae. Thraustochytrids are marine heterotrophic fungi like microorganisms known to produce several commercially interesting biotechnological compounds including omega‐3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), carotenoids, sterols, exopolysaccharides and enzymes. Therefore, exploring the potential of thraustochytrids has much to offer to the commercial production of bioactive compounds. In response to growing demand for omega‐3 fatty acids, various isolation, fermentation and lipid recovery strategies have been developed in recent years.

The lipid metabolism in thraustochytrids

“…DHA and other ω3-PUFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) are synthesized at extremely low levels in animals and are therefore considered 'conditionally essential' fatty acids (FAs) [36], which means they must be obtained from the diet. Multiple benefits for human health have been attributed to these ω3-VLCPUFAs [37], including anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular protection, a proper development of neural tissues and decrease risks of depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases [38][39][40]. In humans, DHA accumulates in the brain and is required for the good visual and neural development in infants [38].…”

“…The DHA status of the newborn and breast-fed infants depends on the maternal intake, and a low intake increases the risk of poor child neural development. Since our western diet is often low in ω3-FAs and often displays a high ratio of ω6/ω3 PUFAs, there is a need for supplementation in DHA and ω3-FAs [39]. Today, the most widely and naturally available diet source of ω3-VLCPUFAs is fish oil.…”

“…Today, the most widely and naturally available diet source of ω3-VLCPUFAs is fish oil. However, overexploitation of fish stocks and their contamination by toxic substances such as heavy metals impose to find alternative and more sustainable sources [39]. Since fish obtain their ω3-FAs from zooplankton that consume phytoplankton, microalgae and marine protists appear to be a promising direct source of ω3 VLCPUFAs [41,42].…”

Physicochemical Characteristics of Protein Isolated from Thraustochytrid Oilcake

“…Thraustochytrids have been extensively studied over the last decade because of their biotechnological applications in human health based on their ability to produce very long chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs), mainly ω3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6) [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Health benefits of DHA include anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular protection, proper development of neural tissues and decreased risks of depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The biomass from thraustochytrid species, which also contains carotenoids, proteins, and squalene, have been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [ 19 ].…”

Screening of highly effective mixed natural antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of microalgal DHA-rich oil

“…5 Interestingly, microalgal oil also contains endogenous antioxidants such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which can play a certain role in antioxidant protection. [6][7][8] However, the inherent quantities usually cannot provide sufficient protection during prolonged storage. Moreover, such intrinsic antioxidants can be substantially removed during the rening process.…”