Microalgae, Seaweeds and Aquatic Bacteria, Archaea, and Yeasts: Sources of Carotenoids with Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Health-Promoting Actions in the Sustainability Era

Abstract

Carotenoids are a large group of health-promoting compounds used in many industrial sectors, such as foods, feeds, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and colorants. Considering the global population growth and environmental challenges, it is essential to find new sustainable sources of carotenoids beyond those obtained from agriculture. This review focuses on the potential use of marine archaea, bacteria, algae, and yeast as biological factories of carotenoids. A wide variety of carotenoids, including novel ones, were identified in these organisms. The role of carotenoids in marine organisms and their potential health-promoting actions have also been discussed. Marine organisms have a great capacity to synthesize a wide variety of carotenoids, which can be obtained in a renewable manner without depleting natural resources. Thus, it is concluded that they represent a key sustainable source of carotenoids that could help Europe achieve its Green Deal and Recovery Plan. Additionally, the lack of standards, clinical studies, and toxicity analysis reduces the use of marine organisms as sources of traditional and novel carotenoids. Therefore, further research on the processing of marine organisms, the biosynthetic pathways, extraction procedures, and examination of their content is needed to increase carotenoid productivity, document their safety, and decrease costs for their industrial implementation.

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 ].…”

Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model

“…In addition, microalgae have lower nutritional and water requirements compared to terrestrial plants, no requirements of herbicides or pesticides, cultivation produces less wastewater and modulation of biosynthesis of diverse metabolites is easier. Their nutritional value (high quality proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, bioactives) is remarkable, being used as nutritional supplements in aquaculture, human foods, or for the obtaining of food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic ingredients [2]. In our study we used phytoene-rich cultures of the microalgae species Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella bardawil and sustainable extraction methods to demonstrate the potential of microalgae as sources for functional ingredients that promote healthy ageing, while reducing land use and increasing sustainability of food production.…”

“…Compared to terrestrial plants, cultivation of microalgae is more sustainable due to their rapid growth, ease of cultivation, and non-need for agricultural land, and the commercial importance of microalgae for sustainable production of health-promoting foods is growing. Thus microalgae are a potential source of nutrition that would reduce the need for agricultural land use, decreasing the environmental impact of food production, while improving health [2]. Biosynthesis of carotenoids occurs through the production of phytoene from geranygeranyl pyrophosphate by the enzyme phytoene synthase.…”

A Green Revolution in Antioxidant Research: Harnessing Microalgae for Wellness and Longevity

“…These organisms exhibit rapid growth rates and have the potential for large-scale cultivation with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, they do not compete for arable land, as their growth is primarily aquatic, thereby avoiding conflicts with agricultural practices and food production [12]. Overall, microalgae represent a sustainable, nature-based solution for addressing the increasing demand for natural antioxidants.…”