Advances in Algal Biotechnology: Sustainable Production of Nutrient-Rich Biomass and High-Value Bioproducts
Aditi Singh
Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India.
Surendra Nath Pandey *
Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India.
Khushbu
Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India.
Harsh Kumar
Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Microalgae (MiA) have been portrayed as a sustainable alternative for conventional sources of biofuels, several food and feed systems, and renewable energy sources. Microalgal biomass has attracted considerable attention for its potential to produce high quantities of value-added compounds, including pigments, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and antioxidants. In this context, a plethora of existing and potential studies and reviews elicit the applied technologies for bio valorization of algal biomass and sustainable and integrated biorefinery approaches for production of high-value products. The focus of the present review is to provide insights on current trends in the production of lipids and pigments from the alga biomass, and employing eco-conscious methodologies for the extraction of compounds from the microalgal biosphere holds significant importance.
Keywords: Microalgae, functional lipids, vitamins, bioactive phenolic compounds, extraction, algal biomass, utilization