Microalgae as a Sustainable Source of Nutraceuticals

Microalgae have become a popular target in the research community and biotechnology industry based on findings that many microalgal strains are very good sources of various nutraceuticals, such as vitamins, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and phytosterols. In principle, microalgae cultivation can be carried out independent of freshwater supply and does not compete with arable land or biodiverse landscapes. Microalgae are considered an ideal source for the sustainable production of physiologically active compounds. This chapter provides a brief overview of the different nutraceutical compounds currently reported to be available in microalgae. Under stress condition, two well-known species of microalgae, Dunaliella salina and Haematococcus pluvialis, accumulate considerable amounts of β-carotene and astaxanthin, respectively. Moreover, D. salina is the leading producer of carotenoids among all types of food sources and therefore, this salt-tolerant microalga is the most popular species for the algae biotechnology industry.