Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microalgae are used in a wide range of potential industrial and commercial applications due to their fast growth rates and rich bioactive compound contents. The first use of microalgae by humans likely dates back to 2000 years ago, when the Chinese used Nostoc to survive during famines. More recently, several technologies and processes have been developed for the use of microalgae in many areas, some of which are as follows:

1. Biofuels: Microalgae can be used as feedstock to produce biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
2. Food and nutraceuticals: Microalgae are used as a raw material for health supplements and functional foods.
3. Pharmaceuticals: Microalgae can be used as bio-manufactories to produce biologically active compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.
4. Cosmetics: The high antioxidant and vitamin contents in microalgae make them valuable in skincare and cosmetic products.
5. Animal feed: Microalgae can be used as nutritious feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.
6. Wastewater treatment: Microalgae can be used to remove pollutants in wastewater and, simultaneously, for the production of biomass that can be further utilized.
7. Biofertilizers: Microalgae can be used to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth.

We invite you to submit manuscripts related to the applications of microalgae in the areas mentioned above, as well as any associated topics. We are looking for both original research and review articles. Authors who would like to contribute review papers should contact one of the Topic Editors to discuss the suitability of the topic before submitting the manuscript. Authors can choose to submit their manuscripts for publication in one of the participating journals, which are listed below.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and would like to thank you in advance for considering contributing to this Topic.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nhuan Nghiem
Prof. Dr. Tae Hyun Kim
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Biosciences applbiosci	-	2.9	2022	22.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Fermentation fermentation	3.3	5.7	2015	19.5 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Marine Drugs marinedrugs	5.4	10.1	2003	13.6 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	20 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Phycology phycology	2.9	5.2	2021	20.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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All Applied Biosciences Applied Sciences Fermentation Marine Drugs Microorganisms Phycology

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13 pages, 3140 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Removal of Spirulina platensis Using PEG-Modified Membranes Derived from EPS Waste

by Kemal Salam Ramadhan, Budi Arifvianto, Muslim Mahardika, Ario Sunar Baskoro, Norihisa Miki, Tutik Sriani and Gunawan Setia Prihandana

Phycology 2026, 6(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6020047 - 30 Apr 2026

Viewed by 344

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of microalgae in aquatic systems poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in regions lacking adequate water treatment facilities. This study reports a sustainable approach for microalgae removal through the development of low-cost membranes derived from expanded polystyrene (EPS) [...] Read more.

The rapid proliferation of microalgae in aquatic systems poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in regions lacking adequate water treatment facilities. This study reports a sustainable approach for microalgae removal through the development of low-cost membranes derived from expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste and modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a pore-forming agent. Membranes were fabricated via non-solvent-induced phase separation with PEG loadings of 0–20 wt.% and characterized in terms of morphology, porosity, wettability, and hydraulic performance. Filtration efficiency was evaluated using Spirulina platensis as a model microalga. Incorporation of PEG (up to 15 wt.%) enhanced membrane porosity (77–84%), improved hydrophilicity (water contact angle reduced from 68° to 48°), and increased water flux (10.98–39.2 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹), while maintaining complete microalgal rejection (100%). Optimized membranes exhibited asymmetric finger-like structures, contributing to improved permeability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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19 pages, 7039 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Characterization and Immunomodulatory Properties of Five Tolypothrix Strains

by Katerina Mladenova, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Dzhemal Moten, Balik Dzhambazov, Detelina Belkinova and Ivanka Teneva

Phycology 2026, 6(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6020040 - 12 Apr 2026

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Different cyanobacterial species have been shown to be a valuable source of biologically active compounds with immunomodulatory activity. To date, little is known about members of the genus Tolypothrix (Cyanophyceae). Therefore, the present study focuses on five Tolypothrix strains (T. tenuis PACC [...] Read more.

Different cyanobacterial species have been shown to be a valuable source of biologically active compounds with immunomodulatory activity. To date, little is known about members of the genus Tolypothrix (Cyanophyceae). Therefore, the present study focuses on five Tolypothrix strains (T. tenuis PACC 5497, T. tenuis PACC 8648, T. distorta SAG 1482-2, T. distorta CCALA 194, Tolypothrix sp. PACC 5501) that were not previously evaluated for specific morphological characteristics and immunomodulatory potential toward human immune cells. Cyanobacterial cultures were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Peripheral blood leukocytes were isolated from patients with inflammatory conditions and treated ex vivo with Tolypothrix non-polar extract fractions. Following treatment, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokine concentrations in culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. Light microscopy observations showed that the cultures established from four of the strains have morphological features that correspond to T. tenuis Kützing (1843) ex Bornet et Flahault 1887 and T. distorta Kützing (1843) ex Bornet et Flahault. TEM analyses indicated parietal arrangement of cellular thylakoids in all strains, but T. distorta CCALA194 and Tolypothrix sp. PACC 5501 also displayed fascicular thylakoid arrangement. Immunophenotypic analyses revealed significantly increased proportions of T, NK, and B lymphocytes in leukocyte cultures treated with Tolypothrix extracts compared to the untreated controls. The concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were lower in the culture medium of treated cells, while levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 remained stable, except in cultures treated with T. distorta SAG 1482-2 extract. The present study provides the detailed morphological characteristics of five strains of the genus Tolypothrix and indicate that non-polar extract fractions derived from the strains exert immunomodulatory effects on human leukocytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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19 pages, 2430 KB  

Open AccessArticle

DoE-Guided Multi-Response Optimization of Harvesting and Drying for Maximized Macromolecule Recovery in Chlorella sp.

by Andrés F. Barajas-Solano, Antonio Zuorro, Roberto Lavecchia, Janet B. García-Martínez, Jefferson E. Contreras-Ropero, Nestor A. Urbina-Suarez and German L. Lopez-Barrera

Phycology 2026, 6(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6020035 - 27 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Harvesting and drying are critical post-harvest operations in microalgal biomass processing because they strongly influence biomass conditioning and the subsequent recoverability of major macromolecular fractions. Accordingly, this study evaluated and optimized harvesting and drying conditions to identify processing windows associated with carbohydrate, protein, [...] Read more.

Harvesting and drying are critical post-harvest operations in microalgal biomass processing because they strongly influence biomass conditioning and the subsequent recoverability of major macromolecular fractions. Accordingly, this study evaluated and optimized harvesting and drying conditions to identify processing windows associated with carbohydrate, protein, and lipid responses in Chlorella sp. (UFPS012). An I-optimal design was applied to assess drying temperature (40–60 °C), drying time (18–30 h), equipment (oven vs. food-grade dehydrator), and harvesting method (chemical flocculation vs. electroflotation). Subsequently, temperature and time were optimized using a central composite design while keeping electroflotation and the food-grade dehydrator fixed. The harvesting method was consistently significant across responses, whereas drying factors showed metabolite-dependent effects. During the screening stage, carbohydrates were mainly influenced by drying time and harvesting method, proteins by drying time and equipment, and lipids by drying temperature, equipment, and harvesting method. In the optimization stage, the fitted quadratic models showed high goodness of fit (R² = 0.9778–0.9959), and the desirability function identified a compromise condition at 56.78 °C and 41.28 h. Under these conditions, the model predicted approximately 155.0 mg/L of total carbohydrates, 368.4 mg/L of total proteins, and 15.2 mg/L of total lipids. Process validation showed no significant difference between predicted and observed values for proteins, whereas carbohydrates and lipids differed significantly. In parallel, the moisture ratio approached zero at approximately 2460 min, consistent with the late stage of drying. Overall, electroflotation, coupled with food-grade dehydration, defined a laboratory-scale post-harvest configuration for the simultaneous conditioning of Chlorella biomass for multi-metabolite recovery. Future studies should evaluate specific energy demand, techno-economic feasibility, alternative drying technologies, and other Chlorella-relevant high-value compounds such as carotenoids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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17 pages, 650 KB  

Open AccessReview

Resolving the “Thick-Wall Challenge” in Haematococcus pluvialis: From Metabolic Reprogramming to Clinical Translation

by Tao Chen, Xun Zhu and Qiang Liao

Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010253 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

Astaxanthin, derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, is a potent antioxidant with significant therapeutic potential. However, its large-scale commercialization is hindered by the “thick-wall challenge”, a phenomenon where the stress conditions required for astaxanthin accumulation also trigger the formation of resistant secondary cell walls. [...] Read more.

Astaxanthin, derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, is a potent antioxidant with significant therapeutic potential. However, its large-scale commercialization is hindered by the “thick-wall challenge”, a phenomenon where the stress conditions required for astaxanthin accumulation also trigger the formation of resistant secondary cell walls. This challenge complicates extraction and reduces bioaccessibility, thereby increasing production costs. Recent advancements have focused on uncoupling astaxanthin biosynthesis from cell wall reinforcement, utilizing metabolic engineering and strain selection to reduce wall formation while maintaining high yields. Furthermore, green extraction techniques, such as electrotechnologies and ionic liquids, are being explored to improve efficiency and environmental sustainability. This review synthesizes these innovations, including biorefinery systems that maximize biomass valorization, and discusses emerging clinical applications. We highlight the challenges in bridging the gap between laboratory successes and clinical translation, and suggest future directions for resolving the thick-wall challenge, advancing astaxanthin production, and expanding its therapeutic uses in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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18 pages, 1366 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Canteen Wastewater Through Optimized Spirulina Platensis Cultivation for Enhanced Carotenoid Production and Nutrient Removal

by Charith Akalanka Dodangodage, Geethaka Nethsara Gamage, Induwara Arsith Wijesekara, Jagath C. Kasturiarachchi, Thilini A. Perera, Dilan Rajapakshe and Rangika Umesh Halwatura

Phycology 2026, 6(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6010015 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1250

Abstract

The valorization of nutrient-rich institutional effluents represents a promising route for sustainable algal biotechnology. This study investigates the potential of canteen wastewater (CW) as an alternative culture medium for Spirulina platensis, integrating wastewater treatment with high-value carotenoid and lipid production. Growth performance, biochemical [...] Read more.

The valorization of nutrient-rich institutional effluents represents a promising route for sustainable algal biotechnology. This study investigates the potential of canteen wastewater (CW) as an alternative culture medium for Spirulina platensis, integrating wastewater treatment with high-value carotenoid and lipid production. Growth performance, biochemical composition, and nutrient removal efficiencies were systematically evaluated in 2 L photobioreactors under optimized conditions. Spirulina cultured in 75% CW under 180 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ achieved a biomass productivity of 0.071 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹, nearly three-fold higher than the synthetic BG-11 control (0.023 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹). Nutrient remediation was highly efficient, with 92.12% nitrate and 90.05% phosphate removal, effectively reducing effluent concentrations below discharge limits. Biochemical profiling revealed that wastewater-grown biomass contained 54.3% protein and 7.85% lipids, with a remarkable carotenoid yield of 21.81 mg g⁻¹ DW—significantly higher than the control (6.85 mg g⁻¹ DW). Mechanistic analysis suggests that the balanced nutrient stoichiometry (C:N:P ≈ 30:4:1) and mixotrophic conditions enhanced biomass quality while mitigating ammonia toxicity. This study demonstrates the first integrated application of canteen wastewater for dual-purpose bioremediation and pigment-rich biomass production, establishing a scalable circular bioeconomy framework for institutional waste management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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25 pages, 1492 KB  

Open AccessReview

Microalgae-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Liver Health: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential, and Translational Challenges

by Wentao Sun, Ming Du, Guoming Shen, Dongming Lai and Jiangxin Wang

Phycology 2026, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6010009 - 6 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Microalgae are sustainable sources of bioactive compounds with broad hepato-protective potential. This review synthesizes evidence for five major classes—carotenoids such as astaxanthin and fucoxanthin, polysaccharides such as paramylon and fucoidan, phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, omega-3 fatty acids, and phenolic extracts—linking their actions to [...] Read more.

Microalgae are sustainable sources of bioactive compounds with broad hepato-protective potential. This review synthesizes evidence for five major classes—carotenoids such as astaxanthin and fucoxanthin, polysaccharides such as paramylon and fucoidan, phycobiliproteins such as phycocyanin, omega-3 fatty acids, and phenolic extracts—linking their actions to key liver injury mechanisms. Preclinically, these compounds enhance antioxidant defenses, improve mitochondrial function, suppress inflammatory signaling, regulate lipid metabolism, modulate the gut–liver axis, and inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation, thereby attenuating fibrosis. Consistent benefits are observed in models of non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced injury, ischemia–reperfusion, and fibrosis, with marked improvements in liver enzymes, oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, and collagen deposition. Emerging evidence also highlights their roles in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis. Despite their promise, translational challenges include compositional variability, a lack of standardized quality control, limited safety data, and few rigorous human trials. To address these challenges, we propose a framework integrating multi-omics and AI-assisted strain selection with specification-driven quality control and formulation-aware designs—such as lipid carriers for carotenoids or rational combinations like fucoxanthin with low-molecular-weight fucoidan. Future priorities include composition-defined randomized controlled trials in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury; harmonized material specifications; and multi-constituent interventions that synergistically target oxidative, inflammatory, metabolic, and fibrotic pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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14 pages, 1065 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Application of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris for Improved Growth and Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Achillea fragrantissima In Vitro

by Hind Salih Alrajeh, Fadia El Sherif and Salah Khattab

Phycology 2026, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6010007 - 1 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1302

Abstract

Achillea fragrantissima is a medicinal herb valued for its essential oils and bioactive compounds. Microalgae, such as Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris, show considerable promise as natural biostimulants due to their high levels of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. The individual [...] Read more.

Achillea fragrantissima is a medicinal herb valued for its essential oils and bioactive compounds. Microalgae, such as Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris, show considerable promise as natural biostimulants due to their high levels of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. The individual or compound effects of S. platensis and C. vulgaris on the growth, photosynthetic pigments, and essential oil composition of A. fragrantissima in vitro were measured in this study. According to chemical analysis, S. platensis contains large amounts of protein and several minerals, including phosphorus, manganese, and iron. Conversely, C. vulgaris showed a higher percentage of carbohydrates, lipids, phytol, aldehydes, and fatty acid esters. The combination of 1.0 g·L⁻¹ S. platensis and 0.5 g·L⁻¹ C. vulgaris tended to stimulate callus formation. Meanwhile, the 0.5 g·L⁻¹ C. vulgaris treatment enhanced shoot and leaf development and increased total photosynthetic pigment content. Analysis of essential oils from A. fragrantissima produced under different treatments demonstrated that combined treatments with S. platensis and C. vulgaris had greatly improved the valuable bioactive substances, such as phytol, oleic acid, 2H-pyran, and thymine. These results show the effectiveness of using S. platensis and C. vulgaris extracts as eco-friendly biostimulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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22 pages, 5082 KB  

Open AccessArticle

A High-Throughput Screening Platform to Evaluate Biostimulant Activity of Five Microalgae in Arabidopsis thaliana

by Bram Vangenechten, Tom Bernaerts, Floris Schoeters, Sabine Van Miert, Barbara De Coninck and Johan Ceusters

Phycology 2026, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as promising biostimulants for sustainable agriculture, yet their potential remains underexplored due to the complexity of biostimulant activity and the vast diversity of species. Efficient standardized screening approaches are therefore needed. In this study, a high-throughput screening platform assessed [...] Read more.

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as promising biostimulants for sustainable agriculture, yet their potential remains underexplored due to the complexity of biostimulant activity and the vast diversity of species. Efficient standardized screening approaches are therefore needed. In this study, a high-throughput screening platform assessed the biostimulant activity of five microalgal species (Limnospira platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Microchloropsis gaditana, and Isochrysis galbana) in Arabidopsis thaliana. The system enabled full life-cycle assessment of A. thaliana under optimal and drought stress conditions, incorporating three application methods (soil amendment, irrigation, foliar spray) and a wide concentration range of 0.01–0.5 g/L. Biostimulant efficacy depended strongly on concentration and application method. Irrigation-based applications generally enhanced drought tolerance but delayed bolting and flowering. The highest concentration inhibited germination and root elongation, likely due to bioactive compound toxicity rather than salinity or pH. L. platensis exhibited broad activity across environmental conditions, while I. galbana likewise showed wide-ranging effects, including enhanced generative growth. In contrast, D. salina and M. gaditana primarily improved drought tolerance, and C. vulgaris acted mainly under optimal conditions. These findings highlight the value of A. thaliana to accommodate rapid biostimulant screening and identify both novel and established microalgae for further validation in crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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21 pages, 2929 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing Aluminum Desorption from Electroflocculated Algal Biomass

by Laura B. Cabrera-Casadiego, Janet B. García-Martínez, Jefferson E. Contreras-Ropero, Antonio Zuorro and Andrés F. Barajas-Solano

Phycology 2025, 5(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5040073 - 12 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1121

Abstract

Postharvest operations are cost intensive in microalgae production, and when electrocoagulation–electroflotation (EC/EF) with aluminum anodes is used, aluminum can remain associated with biomass and wash streams; hence, a selective postwash process is needed. Accordingly, this study defined an operational window for aluminum desorption [...] Read more.

Postharvest operations are cost intensive in microalgae production, and when electrocoagulation–electroflotation (EC/EF) with aluminum anodes is used, aluminum can remain associated with biomass and wash streams; hence, a selective postwash process is needed. Accordingly, this study defined an operational window for aluminum desorption that preserves the energetic advantage of EC/EF. A response-surface design (I-optimal/CCD) was used to evaluate the effects of the EDTA concentration (1–100 mM), contact time (5–20 min), mixing speed (100–300 rpm), and pH (6–10) on EC/EF-harvested Chlorella sp. biomass, with ANOVA and model diagnostics supporting adequacy. EDTA concentration and mixing emerged as significant factors, whereas time and pH acted mainly through interactions; moreover, quadratic terms for EDTA and mixing indicated diminishing returns at high levels. Consequently, the surface predicted an optimum near EDTA ≈ 65 mM, time ≈ 20 min, pH 10, and 100 rpm, corresponding to ~97% aluminum removal. Importantly, a confirmation run under these conditions across eight chlorophyte strains consistently achieved >95% removal, revealing narrow dispersion yet statistically distinguishable means. Taken together, coupling EC/EF with an EDTA postwash operation in the identified window effectively limits aluminum carry-over in microalgal biomass and, therefore, provides a reproducible basis for downstream conditioning and potential recirculation within biorefinery schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microalgae: Current Trends in Basic Research and Applications)

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