The Role of Microalgae or Cyanobacteria in Major Food Crops and Sustainable Food Production
A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Biotechnology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 1555
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biomass resource; algae; ecology; raceway ponds; photobioreactor
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Microalgae and cyanobacteria offer promising bioactive substances for enhancing agricultural productivity, food quality, and grain nutrition. Their application as biofertilizers can improve soil health, plant growth, and crop resistance, leading to higher yields and more sustainable food production. Algae are also valuable sources of high-nutrient food and additives, enriching organic products with essential nutrients and functional ingredients. As the edible microalgae market expands, stringent regulations and industry standards are crucial to ensure product safety and quality. Future trends in this industry will be driven by biotechnology, sustainable practices, and consumer demand for healthy, eco-friendly food options.
This Special Issue invites papers in the following areas:
1. Favorable Effects of Microalgae or Cyanobacterial-Derived Bioactive Substances in Agricultural Food Production
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are emerging as potent sources of bioactive substances that hold significant promise for enhancing agricultural productivity and food quality. These microorganisms are capable of producing a wide array of metabolites, including proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and various other bioactive compounds. These substances can be harnessed to improve soil health, promote plant growth, and enhance crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
The application of microalgae-derived extracts has been shown to stimulate plant root development, increase nutrient uptake, and enhance photosynthesis efficiency. Furthermore, specific bioactive compounds produced by cyanobacteria, such as cyanophycin and phycocyanin, have been found to possess growth-promoting and stress-alleviating properties in crops. By integrating microalgae and cyanobacteria into agricultural practices, farmers can achieve higher yields, improved crop quality, and more sustainable food production systems.
2. Application of Algae or Microalgae and Cyanobacterial Biofertilizers in Enhancing Grain Quality, Nutrition, and Processing Attributes as Alternatives to Chemical Fertilizers
The use of algae or microalgae and cyanobacterial biofertilizers represents a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers in enhancing the quality, nutrition, and processing attributes of major food crops. These biofertilizers are rich in essential nutrients and microbial activities that promote soil health and plant growth.
By introducing these biofertilizers into agricultural fields, farmers can significantly improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient availability to plants, and promote the synthesis of high-quality grain components. The resulting crops often exhibit superior nutritional profiles, including higher levels of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the use of biofertilizers can improve the processing attributes of grains, such as milling and baking qualities, making them more suitable for various food applications.
3. High-Value Utilization of Algae in Organic Food and Food Additives
Algae, particularly microalgae, have gained significant attention as a source of high-value nutrients and functional ingredients for organic food and food additives. These organisms are capable of synthesizing a diverse range of compounds, including omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidants, which are highly valued in the food industry.
The integration of algae into organic food production systems allows for the development of innovative food products with enhanced nutritional and functional properties. For example, algae-based food additives can be used to fortify foods with essential nutrients, improve their sensory attributes, and extend their shelf life. Furthermore, algae-derived ingredients can be utilized in the development of functional foods that target specific health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing immune function.
4. Regulations, Industry Standards, and Future Trends for Edible Microalgae-Related Products
As the market for edible microalgae-related products expands, it is crucial to establish and adhere to stringent regulations and industry standards to ensure product safety, quality, and consumer trust. Regulatory bodies around the world are increasingly recognizing the potential of microalgae as a food source and are developing guidelines for their cultivation, harvesting, processing, and labeling.
Industry standards for edible microalgae products should focus on aspects such as microbial contamination, heavy metal content, pesticide residues, and nutritional composition. Furthermore, there is a need for standardized methods for the extraction, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds from microalgae to ensure consistency in product quality and efficacy.
Future trends in the edible microalgae industry are likely to be driven by advancements in biotechnology, sustainable production practices, and consumer demand for healthy and eco-friendly food options. As research continues to uncover new benefits and applications of microalgae, the industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food production systems worldwide.
Dr. Shuhao Huo
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- algae
- microalgae
- cyanobacteria
- biofertilizer
- bioactive substance
- grain quality
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