Marine bioactives: from energy to nutrition

Abstract

Microalgae have been evaluated as promising resource for biodiesel production, but algal biofuel production is not yet commercially viable, which reflects the high energy costs linked with cultivation, harvesting, and dewatering of algae. As crude oil processing declines, microalgae biorefineries are being considered for producing bioactives such as enzymes, proteins, omega-3 oils, pigments, recombinant products, and vitamins, to offset the costs of biofuel production. We believe that producing algal bioactives through advanced manufacturing pathways, encompassing a biorefinery approach, would be effective, profitable, and economical.

Keywords: algae; bioactives; biorefinery; cell factories; macroalgae; omega-3 fatty acid.