Microalgae in Dual Role: An Effective Platform for Biological Carbon Capturing and High-Value Carotenoid Production

IF 8.1 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Current Pollution Reports Pub Date : 2025-06-04 DOI:10.1007/s40726-025-00362-w

Anil Kumar Patel

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review examines recent advances in exploring the potential of microalgae for simultaneous CO₂ sequestration and the sustainable biosynthesis of high-value carotenoids, specifically astaxanthin and lutein. It aims to highlight integrated approaches that align microalgal biotechnology with global sustainability targets.

Recent Findings

Drawing on a detailed analysis of recent experimental and technological studies, this review explores innovations in photobioreactor engineering, nutrient regime optimization, genetic and metabolic engineering, and the use of industrial flue gases to enhance CO₂ uptake by microalgae. The review also examines how carotenoid production is tightly linked to the microalgal life cycle: lutein is predominantly synthesized during active growth to support photosynthesis, while astaxanthin accumulates under stress conditions for cellular protection. Recent advancements in cultivation strategies and green extraction technologies have enhanced the yield and purity of these carotenoids, enabling broader industrial applications across nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aquaculture.

Summary

By analyzing multidisciplinary and biorefinery developments, this review demonstrates that carbon capturing with carotenoid biosynthesis integration in microalgae systems supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The dual focus on environmental remediation and bioactive production underlines microalgae’s potential as scalable, sustainable platforms in the emerging bioeconomy.

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微藻的双重作用：生物碳捕获和高价值类胡萝卜素生产的有效平台

本文综述了微藻在同时封存二氧化碳和可持续生物合成高价值类胡萝卜素（特别是虾青素和叶黄素）方面的研究进展。它旨在强调将微藻生物技术与全球可持续性目标结合起来的综合方法。在对最近的实验和技术研究进行详细分析的基础上，本文探讨了光生物反应器工程、营养体系优化、遗传和代谢工程以及利用工业烟气增强微藻对二氧化碳的吸收方面的创新。这篇综述还研究了类胡萝卜素的产生与微藻生命周期的紧密联系：叶黄素主要在活跃生长期间合成以支持光合作用，而虾青素在应激条件下积累以保护细胞。栽培策略和绿色提取技术的最新进展提高了这些类胡萝卜素的产量和纯度，使其在营养保健品、药品、化妆品和水产养殖等领域得到更广泛的工业应用。通过分析多学科和生物炼制的发展，本文表明微藻系统中类胡萝卜素生物合成的碳捕获支持可持续发展目标（sdg） 13（气候行动）和12（负责任的消费和生产）。对环境修复和生物活性生产的双重关注强调了微藻作为新兴生物经济中可扩展、可持续平台的潜力。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Current Pollution Reports Environmental Science-Water Science and Technology

CiteScore

12.10

自引率

1.40%

发文量

期刊介绍： Current Pollution Reports provides in-depth review articles contributed by international experts on the most significant developments in the field of environmental pollution.By presenting clear, insightful, balanced reviews that emphasize recently published papers of major importance, the journal elucidates current and emerging approaches to identification, characterization, treatment, management of pollutants and much more.