Carbohydrates or polysaccharides are the main products derived from photosynthesis and carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle. Compared to other sources, polysaccharides derived from microalgae are safe, biocompatible, biodegradable, stable, and versatile. These polymeric macromolecules present complex biochemical structures according to each microalgal species. In addition, they exhibit emulsifying properties and biological characteristics that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities. Some microalgal species have a naturally high concentration of carbohydrates. Other species can adapt their metabolism to produce more sugars from changes in temperature and light, carbon source, macro and micronutrient limitations (mainly nitrogen), and saline stress. In addition to growing in adverse conditions, microalgae can use industrial effluents as an alternative source of nutrients. Microalgal polysaccharides are predominantly composed of pentose and hexose monosaccharide subunits with many glycosidic bonds. Microalgae polysaccharides can be structural constituents of the cell wall, energy stores, or protective polysaccharides and cell interaction. The industrial use of microalgae polysaccharides is on the rise. These microorganisms present rheological and biological properties, making them a promising candidate for application in the food industry and agriculture. Thus, microalgae polysaccharides are promising sustainable alternatives for potential applications in several sectors, and the choice of producing microalgal species depends on the required functional activity. In this context, this review article aims to provide an overview of microalgae technology for polysaccharide production, emphasizing its potential in the food, animal feed, and agriculture sector.
The presence of emerging contaminants in water resources has been a global concern due to their environmental impact and effects on human and animal health. These compounds include pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides, fire retardants, hormones, and plasticizers, among others. These contaminants are not completely removed during water and wastewater conventional treatment. Thus, alternative processes are necessary to face this issue. In this context, nanotechnology represents a promising strategy for the remediation of emerging contaminants. Nanostructured materials have highlighted properties, such as adsorption capacity and porosity, chemical stability, reactivity, mobility, and antimicrobial activity. The diversity of nanomaterials and the possibility of combining them contribute to their application in contaminant mitigation. Furthermore, they can be used in different removal techniques such as adsorption, and membrane filtration. Thus, this review article provides an overview and advances in the production and application of nanofiltration membranes and adsorbent nanomaterials for the treatment of effluents containing emerging pollutants.
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