Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation
Abstract Microalgae, which include over 30,000 different species, are an incredibly rich source of nutrients and health-boosting compounds. They have shown impressive health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, making them valuable for devel...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Discover Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06916-3 |
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| author | Anjuman Ayub Farida Rahayu Aniswatul Khamidah Sri Satya Antarlina Kasma Iswari Khojin Supriyadi Elya Mufidah Anjuvan Singh Chirag Chopra Atif Khurshid Wani |
| author_facet | Anjuman Ayub Farida Rahayu Aniswatul Khamidah Sri Satya Antarlina Kasma Iswari Khojin Supriyadi Elya Mufidah Anjuvan Singh Chirag Chopra Atif Khurshid Wani |
| author_sort | Anjuman Ayub |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Microalgae, which include over 30,000 different species, are an incredibly rich source of nutrients and health-boosting compounds. They have shown impressive health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, making them valuable for developing medicines, functional foods, and dietary supplements. Advances in technology, such as improved bioreactor systems, genetic engineering, and metabolic fine-tuning, have made it easier to grow microalgae and increase the production of beneficial compounds. Additionally, using microalgae in wastewater treatment and CO2 capture supports environmental and economic sustainability, contributing to a more circular and eco-friendly economy. However, challenges like high production costs and scalability barriers persist. Despite these hurdles, microalgae present a transformative solution to address the growing demand for bioactive compounds and sustainable health interventions. The ongoing research shows their application across industries, including pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, and aquaculture, paving the way for novel, sustainable nutrition, and health. However, there are still hurdles to overcome. Producing microalgae on a large scale remains costly, and the amount of bioactive compounds produced can vary. Regulatory challenges and the need to increase consumer awareness and acceptance also make it difficult for microalgal products to reach the mainstream market. Despite these issues, ongoing progress in biotechnology, AI-based process optimization, and strain improvement offers promising solutions to make microalgae production more efficient and commercially viable. The growing use of microalgae in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, animal feed, and aquaculture highlights their potential to revolutionize the health and nutrition industries. This review aims to explore the nutritional profile of microalgae, their health benefits, and the technological and market challenges involved, while suggesting future strategies to unlock their full potential in sustainable health and nutrition. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d2b8e3ef9cf44232a3ab7bfdbb59f4ea |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 3004-9261 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-d2b8e3ef9cf44232a3ab7bfdbb59f4ea2025-08-20T02:19:57ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-04-017512310.1007/s42452-025-06916-3Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovationAnjuman Ayub0Farida Rahayu1Aniswatul Khamidah2Sri Satya Antarlina3Kasma Iswari4Khojin Supriyadi5Elya Mufidah6Anjuvan Singh7Chirag Chopra8Atif Khurshid Wani9School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversityResearch Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation AgencyResearch Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation AgencyResearch Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation AgencyResearch Center for Agroindustry, National Research and Innovation AgencyResearch Center for Food Crops, National Research and Innovation AgencyBioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas BrawijayaSchool of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversitySchool of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversitySchool of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversityAbstract Microalgae, which include over 30,000 different species, are an incredibly rich source of nutrients and health-boosting compounds. They have shown impressive health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, making them valuable for developing medicines, functional foods, and dietary supplements. Advances in technology, such as improved bioreactor systems, genetic engineering, and metabolic fine-tuning, have made it easier to grow microalgae and increase the production of beneficial compounds. Additionally, using microalgae in wastewater treatment and CO2 capture supports environmental and economic sustainability, contributing to a more circular and eco-friendly economy. However, challenges like high production costs and scalability barriers persist. Despite these hurdles, microalgae present a transformative solution to address the growing demand for bioactive compounds and sustainable health interventions. The ongoing research shows their application across industries, including pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, and aquaculture, paving the way for novel, sustainable nutrition, and health. However, there are still hurdles to overcome. Producing microalgae on a large scale remains costly, and the amount of bioactive compounds produced can vary. Regulatory challenges and the need to increase consumer awareness and acceptance also make it difficult for microalgal products to reach the mainstream market. Despite these issues, ongoing progress in biotechnology, AI-based process optimization, and strain improvement offers promising solutions to make microalgae production more efficient and commercially viable. The growing use of microalgae in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, animal feed, and aquaculture highlights their potential to revolutionize the health and nutrition industries. This review aims to explore the nutritional profile of microalgae, their health benefits, and the technological and market challenges involved, while suggesting future strategies to unlock their full potential in sustainable health and nutrition.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06916-3MicroalgaeNutraceuticalsBiosynthesisBioactivityProteinsVitamins |
| spellingShingle | Anjuman Ayub Farida Rahayu Aniswatul Khamidah Sri Satya Antarlina Kasma Iswari Khojin Supriyadi Elya Mufidah Anjuvan Singh Chirag Chopra Atif Khurshid Wani Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation Discover Applied Sciences Microalgae Nutraceuticals Biosynthesis Bioactivity Proteins Vitamins |
| title | Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| title_full | Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| title_fullStr | Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| title_short | Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| title_sort | harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation |
| topic | Microalgae Nutraceuticals Biosynthesis Bioactivity Proteins Vitamins |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06916-3 |
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