Authored by Igor Fernandes
Introduction
Microalgae (i.e. the prokaryotic cyanobacteria and the eukaryotic microalgae) are a wide diversity of microscopic unicellular organisms with the ability to convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis [1,2]. Moreover, this evolutionary and phylogenetic diversity means a great diversity from the point of view of the chemical composition of these organisms. Thus, this makes them extremely attractive for potential exploitation and bioprospecting as commercial sources of a wide range of biomolecules (Table 1) [2].From among the most biotechnologically relevant microalgae it is worth highlighting the green algae (Chlorophycea) Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina and the Cyanobacteria Spirulina maxima which are widely used and commercialized, mainly as nutritional supplements for humans and as animal feed additives [1].
Microalgae are fast growing organisms which could produce a variety of compounds with various commercial uses, namely biodiesel and several compounds industrially produced [3-5]. Moreover, they can be used in the production of energy and to obtain a wide range of metabolites such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals for health, food and feed additives and cosmetics [1]. Currently, microalgae play an important role in aquaculture, are used in the enhancement of the nutritional value of food and animal feed due to their chemical composition and can be incorporated into cosmetics [1]. Additionally, microalgae are suitable for use in human health as they are a source of bioactive compounds such as long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), sterols, sugars, pigments, carotenoids, phycobilins and vitamins [1,2,6]. Furthermore, polyunsaturated fatty acid oils are used to obtain nutritional supplements whereas proteins and pigments are important as natural dyes and as compounds which exhibit properties well desired by the pharmaceutical industries to treat certain diseases [1,7]. On the other hand, the production of hydrocarbons and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids by microalgae strains are appropriate for biodiesel production [4,8].
Unlike terrestrial plants, microalgae bring forward several advantages such as a larger biomass production in shorter periods of time which brings out great health benefits, the requirement of less amounts of water and the absence of the application of fungicides, herbicides or pesticides during their cultivation [3]. Furthermore, from the environmental point of view, microalgae have great impact on the reduction of greenhouse gases and consequent decrease of global warming, since the production of 1Kg of dry algal biomass consumes around 1.83Kg of CO2 [3].
Importance of Fatty Acids in Health
Marine microalgae are considered as a renewable source of bioactive lipids with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have demonstrated to be effective in the prevention or treatment of several diseases [1]. Microalgae exhibit a high percentage of lipids, in which represent approximately 30-50% of the total weight of biomass [7]. They are suppliers of long-chain PUFAs such as linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [2,9]. EPA and DHA are vital for keeping the bio membranes and cellular functions (e.g. cell signaling), whereas proteins are important for the primary metabolism of microalgae as biological catalysts responsible for crucial reactions that have effect on cell growth [10-12].PUFAs, namely omega 3 PUFAs such as α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), EPA (C20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n-3) and DHA (C22:6n-3), have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disorders, asthma, arthritis, kidney and skin disorders, depression and schizophrenia [1]. Additionally, the essential fatty acids and the long chain PUFAs are crucial as essential components of the biological membranes and precursors of a wide variety of signaling molecules (e.g. leukotrienes, eicosanoids and thromboxanes), which are responsible for multiple physiological and pathological responses [13-15].
To read more about this article... Open access Journal of Nutrition & Food Science
Please follow the URL to access more information about this article
https://irispublishers.com/gjnfs/fulltext/fatty-acids-polyunsaturated-as-bioactive-compounds-of-microalgae-contribution-to-human-health.ID.000526.php
To know more about our Journals....Iris Publishers
To know about Open Access Publishers
No comments:
Post a Comment