Current and Potential Applications of Microalgae: A Mini Review

Abstract

Microalgae, in general, can be used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, in wastewater management, as nutritional supplements for human nutrition and as supplement in animal and pet feeds [1,2]. Αs photosynthetic organisms, they contain chlorophylls that can be used for food and cosmetic purposes [3]. Some algae species contain active compounds with important pharmaceutical properties such as antibacterial and antiviral activity. Other compounds have been isolated with antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity [4,5]. Αdditionally, high value products can be produced by microalgae, such as carotenoids, astaxanthin, antioxidants and the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) [6]. Another application of microalgae is found in the food industry, where they are utilised as food dyes in candies, chewing gums or beverages [7]. Over the last two decades a substantial amount of research has been conducted in order to produce biodiesel from lipids extracted from algal biomass as well as other biofuels such as ethanol.