An Important Source of Bioactive Compounds: Microalgae.

Kızılkaya D., Üstün N. Ş., Soyocak H.

V. International Conference on Agricultural, Biological and Life Science, Edirne, Turkey, 18 - 20 September 2023, pp.538

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Edirne
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.538
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Microalgae are single-celled microorganisms with different morphological, physiological, and genetic characteristics. Microalgae, which grow in fresh and salt water, are essential to the aquatic ecosystem due to their photosynthetic properties. Microalgae-derived bioactive components are produced as primary metabolism sources, such as proteins, various fatty acids, and vitamins, or as secondary metabolism products. In most microalgae, bioactive components accumulate in the biomass. They produce biologically active ingredients such as carotenoids, phycobilins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and sterols. Various microalgae can produce different bioactive compounds. Frequently studied microalgae Spirulina sp. (phycocyanin, tocopherols, phenolic acids), Haematococcus pluvialis (lutein, oleic acid, beta-carotene), Chlorella sp. (carotenoids, eicosapentaenoic acid) and Dunaliella (trans-betacarotene, oleic acid, linolenic acid). It has been reported that these microalgae have many uses and can gain new uses daily. They have antioxidative, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and anticarcinogenic effects with their important bioactive components. Antioxidant properties are of great interest in industrial applications. Various microalgae are also used in the food industry. Four microalgae species are of interest in the industry as biotechnological. These are Spiruna, Chlorella, Dunaliella salina and Haematococcus. Chlorella contains beta-1,3-glucan, which acts as a free radical scavenger. Spirulina has 62% amino acid content and is a rich source of carotenoids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, and xanthophylls. As a result, microalgae produce many useful bio-products such as beta-carotene, astaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, polysaccharides, and natural dyes. It is also reported that microalgae are an under-researched source for a healthy diet.