Microalgae Characterization for Consolidated and New Application in Human Food, Animal Feed and Nutraceuticals

Abstract

The exploration of new food sources and natural products is the result of the increase in world population as well as the need for a healthier diet; in this context, microalgae are undoubtedly an interesting solution. With the intent to enhance their value in new commercial applications, this paper aims to characterize microalgae that have already been recognized as safe or authorized as additives for humans and animals (Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina) as well as those that have not yet been marketed (Scenedesmus almeriensis and Nannocholoropsis sp.). In this scope, the content of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, total dietary fiber, humidity, ash, and carotenoids has been measured via standard methods. In addition, individual carotenoids (beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein) as well as individual saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been identified and quantified chromatographically. The results confirm the prerogative of some species to produce certain products such as carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and proteins, but also show how their cellular content is rich and diverse. H. pluvialis green and red phases, and Nannochloropsis sp., in addition to producing astaxanthin and omega-3, contain about 25–33% w/w proteins on a dry basis. D. salina is rich in beta-carotene (3.45% w/w on a dry basis), S. Almeriensis is a source of lutein (0.30% w/w on a dry basis), and the C. vulgaris species is a protein-based microalgae (45% w/w on a dry basis). All, however, can also produce important fatty acids such as palmitic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. Considering their varied composition, these microalgae can find applications in multiple sectors. This is true for microalgae already on the market as well as for promising new sources of bioproducts such as S. almeriensis and Nannochloropsis sp.

Bench-Scale Cultivation of Microalgae Scenedesmus almeriensis for CO2 Capture and Lutein Production

“…The total lutein content was gravimetrically quantified, after the complete removal of the solvent using a Zymark TurboVap evaporator (Zymark, Hopkinton, MA, USA). Lutein analysis consisted of two steps: The first one was the saponification of samples to avoid the overlap of the spectra with the species present in the carotenoid family (lipids and chlorophylls) [41][42][43]; the second one was the measurement by using u-HPLC technology (Agilent 1290 Infinity II). The detailed procedure is reported elsewhere [41][42][43].…”

Microalgal carotenoids and phytosterols regulate biochemical mechanisms involved in human health and disease prevention

“…For more than twenty five years, worldwide production of oilseed crops -soybean, peanut, rapeseed, sunflower, olive or coprah -has been increasing in order to answer the strong population growth in many countries in which food access is not easy, thereby resulting in caloric deficits and therefore precarious health status [1]. Recently, there has been an increased interest for the use of microalgae as new sources of bioactive molecules for animal and human nutrition, but also due to the growing awareness and search for healthier foods [2].…”

Catalytic Hydrotreatment of Microalgae Biocrude from Continuous Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Heteroatom Removal and Their Distribution in Distillation Cuts

“…Microalgae have been identified as an attractive energy source for the production of biofuels due to their ability to accumulate relatively large amount of lipids along with carbohydrates, and proteins [5,6]. Microalgae show higher photosynthetic efficiencies compared to terrestrial plants which could be beneficial in terms of environmental impact [7].…”