Promising Microalgae for Nutraceutical and Food Applications: Solution for Global Food Problems

Microalgae offer a sustainable solution to food security and nutrition by producing a varied collection of high-value bioactive compounds, such as, single-cell proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, glycolipids, phycobiliproteins, and pigments. These compounds, which comprise both primary and secondary metabolites (carotenoids, PUFAs like EPA and DHA, polypeptides, and proteins), present a lucrative opportunity for biorefinery optimization, allowing for the extraction of multiple valuable products from the same algal biomass. This chapter dives into the world of high-value microalgal compounds, exploring factors influencing their production and their potential as nutraceuticals for human health.