Future trends and patterns in diatom fatty acid research from a bibliometric standpoint

Abstract

Diatoms are a significant repository of lipids, primarily storing triacylglycerols (TAGs), and serve as a crucial source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as fucoxanthin. Their versatile applications across medicine, food, cosmetics, aquaculture, and biofuel production underscore their value as a vital biological resource. This study employs bibliometric analysis to explore the publication trends related to diatom fatty acids (FAs) and their associated compounds, offering a comprehensive understanding of research trajectories from past to present, and indicating future directions. Analyzing 2286 articles from the Scopus database, published between 1959 and 2023, we identified the United States as the leading country in diatom FA research, with France as the most productive institution. The USA also leads in fostering international collaborations, engaging with 41 countries. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that EPA and DHA have dominated research interests over the decades, with Phaeodactylum tricornutum emerging as the most frequently studied diatom strain. Initially focused on aquaculture, diatom research expanded to include bioindicator, environmental, and biofuel applications. Recently, fucoxanthin and chrysolaminarin, in combination with FAs, have gained prominence in pharmaceutical research. Additionally, the exploration of metabolic pathways through transcriptomic analysis has become increasingly significant. This study identifies several research gaps in diatom FA research, paving the way for future investigations. We advocate for continued research to fully harness diatom FAs as sustainable biological resources for key industries, including biofuels, feed, food, and pharmaceuticals.