{"title":"A review on algal oils as a sustainable source of essential omega-3 fatty acids","authors":"Plash Kunj , Sudarshan Sahu , Gursharan Singh , Shailendra Kumar Arya","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102154","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for human health, yet traditional sources such as fish oils face challenges including overfishing, environmental concerns, and contaminants. This review explores algal oils as a sustainable and efficient alternative for omega-3 production. Microalgae, cultivated under controlled conditions, offer a vegan, eco-friendly solution for producing high-quality DHA and EPA. Advances in biotechnological methods, such as genetic engineering and hydrothermal liquefaction, have optimized algal oil yields, enhancing its scalability and affordability. The review highlights innovative extraction techniques, including ultrasonication and enzymatic methods, which preserve oil quality while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, the integration of algal omega-3 s into nutraceuticals, aquaculture, and functional foods is transforming health and environmental sustainability. This work underscores the potential of algal omega-3 s in addressing global dietary needs while promoting sustainable practices. By bridging scientific innovation and environmental awareness, algal oils present a compelling path forward for human health and ecological preservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 102154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Bioresource Technology Reports","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589014X25001367","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"Environmental Science","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for human health, yet traditional sources such as fish oils face challenges including overfishing, environmental concerns, and contaminants. This review explores algal oils as a sustainable and efficient alternative for omega-3 production. Microalgae, cultivated under controlled conditions, offer a vegan, eco-friendly solution for producing high-quality DHA and EPA. Advances in biotechnological methods, such as genetic engineering and hydrothermal liquefaction, have optimized algal oil yields, enhancing its scalability and affordability. The review highlights innovative extraction techniques, including ultrasonication and enzymatic methods, which preserve oil quality while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, the integration of algal omega-3 s into nutraceuticals, aquaculture, and functional foods is transforming health and environmental sustainability. This work underscores the potential of algal omega-3 s in addressing global dietary needs while promoting sustainable practices. By bridging scientific innovation and environmental awareness, algal oils present a compelling path forward for human health and ecological preservation.