Sustainable Production of Diatom-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Diatoms constitute a prominent group of phytoplankton characterized by their siliceous cell wall. They account for 20–25% of oxygen release and carbon dioxide fixation in the world. Diatoms yield bioactive compounds, one of which is lipids, and store fatty acids to produce different valuable products like omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have many health and medical benefits, including prevention and treatment of various diseases, and therefore taken on a regular basis. Due to this, there is an increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Many studies found EPA and DHA content in various fatty fish which led to pressure on fish stock. An alternative source for producing omega-3 fatty acids is diatoms, the primary producer microalgae. This chapter discusses the importance of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), lipid biosynthesis and factors influences lipid accumulation.