Bioactive Substances and Nutraceuticals from Algae: Industrial Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

More than 30,000 species of algae are known, and many are commercially explored for their benefits. Microalgae are classified as phytoplankton and are the first trophic level in the food chain, serving as nutrients to thousands of marine species. Macroalgae are a varied group, their sizes range from a few centimeters to 100 m in length. About 15,000 species of this group have been described. Macroalgae are divided into different groups depending on their bioactive compounds.

Seaweeds are macro algae, heterogeneous plants living in marine or brackish water conditions. Seaweed species are available worldwide. Seaweeds, such as Saccharina japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Sargassum fusiformes, Porphyra spp. Euchema spp., Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria spp. Enteromorpha spp., Monostroma spp. and Caulerpa spp., are cultivated for bioactive molecules and their use in foods. Seaweeds are rich in multifunctional bioactive compounds that are associated with various biological activities. Seaweeds contribute to a majority of the aquatic biomass representing 50% of the earth’s primary production and have many industrial applications, such as food, feed, nutrition, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits. The global market demand for seaweeds is expected to increase from USD 20.57 bn in 2022 to USD 43.66 bn by 2032.

Microalgae research and production is gaining popularity globally for its use in food, feed, aquaculture, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. However, the large-scale cultivation of microalgae still poses multiple challenges. The sustainability of commercial algal biomass production depends on the type of cultivation system (raceway ponds, photobioreactors and fermenters), strain selection, culture conditions, nutrients and production location. Harvesting and downstream processing are crucial aspects of biomass utilization. Most commercial processes rely on bio-refinery approaches for producing various products, adding value to the fractionated biomass. Interestingly, the market for high-value compounds from microalgae is increasing globally. The global algae products market has reached USD 2276.0 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 4286.8 million by 2031. Given the increasing importance of algal cell factories and products, various innovation strategies need to be developed for overall enhancement in biomass and its constituents of value for health benefits. Bio-refinery approaches enhance biomass valorization for various industrial applications (food, feed, nutraceuticals, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals, etc.).

We are inviting you to submit your valuable research or reviews to this Special Issue of Foods that aims to bring together the most advanced technologies in the field of algal biomass and bio-refinery approaches for industrial applications.

Dr. Ranga Rao Ambati
Prof. Dr. Julio Cesar De Carvalho
Prof. Dr. Carlos Ricardo Soccol
Prof. Dr. Gokare Aswathanarayana Ravishankar
Guest Editors

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