Outdoor cultivation of microalgae for carotenoid production: current state and perspectives |
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Authors: | José A Del Campo Mercedes García-González Miguel G Guerrero |
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Institution: | (1) Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio 49, Sevilla, 41092, Spain |
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Abstract: | Microalgae are a major natural source for a vast array of valuable compounds, including a diversity of pigments, for which
these photosynthetic microorganisms represent an almost exclusive biological resource. Yellow, orange, and red carotenoids
have an industrial use in food products and cosmetics as vitamin supplements and health food products and as feed additives
for poultry, livestock, fish, and crustaceans. The growing worldwide market value of carotenoids is projected to reach over
US$1,000 million by the end of the decade. The nutraceutical boom has also integrated carotenoids mainly on the claim of their
proven antioxidant properties. Recently established benefits in human health open new uses for some carotenoids, especially
lutein, an effective agent for the prevention and treatment of a variety of degenerative diseases. Consumers’ demand for natural
products favors development of pigments from biological sources, thus increasing opportunities for microalgae. The biotechnology
of microalgae has gained considerable progress and relevance in recent decades, with carotenoid production representing one
of its most successful domains. In this paper, we review the most relevant features of microalgal biotechnology related to
the production of different carotenoids outdoors, with a main focus on β-carotene from Dunaliella, astaxanthin from Haematococcus, and lutein from chlorophycean strains. We compare the current state of the corresponding production technologies, based
on either open-pond systems or closed photobioreactors. The potential of scientific and technological advances for improvements
in yield and reduction in production costs for carotenoids from microalgae is also discussed. |
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