Bioprospecting of Microalgae Derived Commercial Significant Compounds

Microalgae are unicellular aquatic microorganisms that can grow as single cells, chains, or tiny colonies. They are found in both freshwater and marine environments which can also perform photosynthesis, hence referred to as photoautotrophs A recent analysis projects that the worldwide market for algal products would reach a value of more than 5.38 billion US dollars by 2025. Market value for microalgal fuels is anticipated to rise significantly. One underutilized resource for high-value products is microalgae. Microalgae might emerge as a promising and sustainable food, feed, and nutraceutical resource to satisfy current market demands due to the growing desire for natural products, customized functional foods, and increased consumer awareness about health advantages. They are abundant sources of several substances that can strengthen diets rich in nutrients, boost immunity, and improve overall health. Moreover, microalgae are a rich source of lipids, which makes them attractive candidates in the global hunt for energy substitutes. However, a significant disadvantage of the state of microalgal research is the inability to transfer in vitro results to an industrial scale. Therefore, finding a resilient microalgal species that can generate a manageable amount of high-value chemicals is crucial. This chapter covers the fundamentals of microalgae technology, outlining its key features and providing a thorough presentation of microalgae commercially significant compounds and their potential usage.