Chapter 5: Microalgal biotechnology.
Applications of cultured microalgae.
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Algal biomass
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Health food and nutraceuticals
Nutraceutical, a term combining the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, is
a food or food product that provides health and medical benefits, including the
prevention and treatment of disease.
The term health food is generally used to describe foods that are considered to
be beneficial to health.
Of the numerous attempts to explain the healthpromoting effects of microalgal biomass, a
general immune-modulating effect is most likely
responsible. Studies show that Spirulina has a
positive effect on human intestinal microflora.
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Animal feed
There is evidence that very small amounts of microalgal biomass, almost
exclusively of the genra Chlorella, Scenedesmus and Spirulina, can positively
affect the physiology of animals. In particular, a non-specific immune response
and a boosting of the immune system of the animals was observed.
Another very promising application for microalgal biomass or even extracts is
the pet food market, where not only the health-promoting effects but also
effects on the external appearance of the pet are of consumer’s importance.
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Aquaculture
At the basis of the natural food chain, microalgae play a key role in aquaculture,
especially in mariculture, being the food source for larvae of many species of
mollusks, crustaceans and fish. In addition, microalgae serve as a food source for
zooplankton production (rotifers, copepods), which in turn are used as feed for
rearing fish larvae.
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Aquaculture
The addition of astaxanthin-containing microalgae to feed formulations enhances
the color of the muscles of salmonids. Culture techniques for Haematococcus
plucialis are well developed for this purpose.
Furthermore, the color-enhancing effects of phycocyanin-containing Spirulina
biomass or carotenoids from Dunaliella were exploited in ornamental fish.
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Valuable substances from microalgae
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Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Humans and animals are not able to synthesize PUFA. Besides being a primary
source of PUFA, these fatty acids from microalgae have further advantages over fish
oils, such as the lack of unpleasant odor, reduced risk of chemical contamination
(toxin bioaccumulation by fish) and better purification potentials.
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Chemical structure or EPA and DHA
Heterotrophic production of
EPA/DHA
EPA production among algae
EPA production under various conditions
PUFA content
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Antioxidants
Due to their phototrophic life, microalgae are exposed to high oxygen and radical
stress. This has resulted in the development of numerous efficient protective
systems against oxidative and radical stressors.
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Coloring products
Microalgae contain a multitude of pigments which are associated with light
incidence. The pigments improve the efficiency of light energy utilization
(phycobiliproteins) and protect them against solar radiation (carotenoids).
– β-Carotene from Dunaliella in health food as a vitamin A precursor
– Astaxanthin from Haematococcus in aquaculture for coloring muscles in
fish
– Lutein, zeaxantin and canthaxantin for chicken skin coloration, or for
pharmaceutical purposes
– Phycobilliproteins for food and cosmetics coloration, and medical
applications
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Algal pigments
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Algal pigments
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