Applications of Microalgae in Foods, Pharma and Feeds and Their Use as Fertilizers and Biostimulants: Legislation and Regulatory Aspects for Consideration

Abstract

Microalgae are a rich resource of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and pigments with nutritional and health benefits. They increasingly find use as ingredients in functional foods and feeds as well as in cosmetics and agricultural products including biostimulants. One of their distinct advantages is their ability to grow on wastewaters and other waste streams, and they are considered an environmentally friendly and cheap method to recover nutrients and remove pollutants from the environment. However, there are limits concerning their applications if grown on certain waste streams. Within, we collate an overview of existing algal applications and current market scenarios for microalgal products as foods and feeds along with relevant legislative requirements concerning their use in Europe and the United States. Microalgal compounds of interest and their extraction and processing methodologies are summarized, and the benefits and caveats of microalgae cultivated in various waste streams and their applications are discussed.

Growth characterization and biostimulant potential ofCoelastrellasp. D14 a green microalga isolated from a solar panel

“…could remove 99% of ammonia, 92% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 100% of phosphorus. In this case, the microalgal biomass was oriented towards the production of biodiesel of high quality (Su et al, 2023). This study showed that D14 can grow on piggery wastewater up to 20%.…”

“…The utilization of biofertilizers and biostimulants as a natural product is particularly crucial to avoid the use of chemicals that may lead to environmental contamination, namely in soil, water and affect the quality of the food produced. Numerous efforts are being made to expand the application of these natural biostimulants (Navarro-López et al, 2020; González-Pérez et al, 2021; Sánchez-Quintero et al, 2023) under strict legislations and regulations that depends on the continent (Su et al, 2023). The use of microalgae as biostimulants has acquired importance for their role in the sustainability and circular bieconomy agenda (Ajeng et al, 2022; Sánchez-Quintero et al, 2023).…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Lutein and Loroxanthin in Scenedesmus obliquus: From Quantification to Isolation

“…They play essential roles in photosynthesis and protect cells from damage by absorbing blue light and acting as antioxidants. The interest in these compounds has grown significantly due to their potential in various sectors [ 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ]. Sampathkumar and Gothandam studied the effect of sodium bicarbonate on lutein biosynthesis in Chlorella pyrenoidosa , highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on lutein production in green microalgae [ 76 ].…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Arthrospira (Former Spirulina) and Dunaliella Related to Recognized Antimicrobial Bioactive Compounds

“…Due to this, it holds second place in (health) beverage production. Proteins of the nutrient-rich D. salina are also used in the baking industry [36,43].…”