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Gao L, Qin Y, Zhou X, Jin W, He Z, Li X, Wang Q. Microalgae as future food: Rich nutrients, safety, production costs and environmental effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172167. [PMID: 38580118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The improvement of food security and nutrition has attracted wide attention, and microalgae as the most promising food source are being further explored. This paper comprehensively introduces basic and functional nutrients rich in microalgae by elaborated tables incorporating a wide variety of studies and summarizes factors influencing their accumulation effects. Subsequently, multiple comparisons of nutrients were conducted, indicating that microalgae have a high protein content. Moreover, controllable production costs and environmental friendliness prompt microalgae into the list that contains more promising and reliable future food. However, microalgae and -based foods approved and sold are limited strictly, showing that safety is a key factor affecting dietary consideration. Notably, sensory profiles and ingredient clarity play an important role in improving the acceptance of microalgae-based foods. Finally, based on the bottleneck in the microalgae food industry, suggestions for its future development were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Gao
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Microalgal Bioenergy, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China; Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yujia Qin
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Microalgal Bioenergy, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Microalgal Bioenergy, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Wenbiao Jin
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Microalgal Bioenergy, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhongqi He
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Microalgal Bioenergy, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Qilin Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Machado MD, Soares EV. Features of the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata: physiology and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:219. [PMID: 38372796 PMCID: PMC10876740 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata was isolated from the Nitelva River (Norway) and subsequently deposited in the collection of the Norwegian Institute of Water Research as "Selenastrum capricornutum Printz". This freshwater microalga, also known as Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, acquired much of its notoriety due to its high sensitivity to different chemical species, which makes it recommended by different international organizations for the assessment of ecotoxicity. However, outside this scope, R. subcapitata continues to be little explored. This review aims to shed light on a microalga that, despite its popularity, continues to be an "illustrious" unknown in many ways. Therefore, R. subcapitata taxonomy, phylogeny, shape, size/biovolume, cell ultra-structure, and reproduction are reviewed. The nutritional and cultural conditions, chronological aging, and maintenance and preservation of the alga are summarized and critically discussed. Applications of R. subcapitata, such as its use in aquatic toxicology (ecotoxicity assessment and elucidation of adverse toxic outcome pathways) are presented. Furthermore, the latest advances in the use of this alga in biotechnology, namely in the bioremediation of effluents and the production of value-added biomolecules and biofuels, are highlighted. To end, a perspective regarding the future exploitation of R. subcapitata potentialities, in a modern concept of biorefinery, is outlined. KEY POINTS: • An overview of alga phylogeny and physiology is critically reviewed. • Advances in alga nutrition, cultural conditions, and chronological aging are presented. • Its use in aquatic toxicology and biotechnology is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela D Machado
- Bioengineering Laboratory - CIETI, ISEP-School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Eduardo V Soares
- Bioengineering Laboratory - CIETI, ISEP-School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal.
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Wang M, Ye X, Bi H, Shen Z. Microalgae biofuels: illuminating the path to a sustainable future amidst challenges and opportunities. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38254224 PMCID: PMC10804497 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The development of microalgal biofuels is of significant importance in advancing the energy transition, alleviating food pressure, preserving the natural environment, and addressing climate change. Numerous countries and regions across the globe have conducted extensive research and strategic planning on microalgal bioenergy, investing significant funds and manpower into this field. However, the microalgae biofuel industry has faced a downturn due to the constraints of high costs. In the past decade, with the development of new strains, technologies, and equipment, the feasibility of large-scale production of microalgae biofuel should be re-evaluated. Here, we have gathered research results from the past decade regarding microalgae biofuel production, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by this industry from the perspectives of microalgae selection, modification, and cultivation. In this review, we suggest that highly adaptable microalgae are the preferred choice for large-scale biofuel production, especially strains that can utilize high concentrations of inorganic carbon sources and possess stress resistance. The use of omics technologies and genetic editing has greatly enhanced lipid accumulation in microalgae. However, the associated risks have constrained the feasibility of large-scale outdoor cultivation. Therefore, the relatively controllable cultivation method of photobioreactors (PBRs) has made it the mainstream approach for microalgae biofuel production. Moreover, adjusting the performance and parameters of PBRs can also enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae. In the future, given the relentless escalation in demand for sustainable energy sources, microalgae biofuels should be deemed a pivotal constituent of national energy planning, particularly in the case of China. The advancement of synthetic biology helps reduce the risks associated with genetically modified (GM) microalgae and enhances the economic viability of their biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Remote Sensing and Information, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Ye
- Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Hongwen Bi
- Institute of Agricultural Remote Sensing and Information, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhongbao Shen
- Grass and Science Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.
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