Algae-Based Food Technologies

Microalgae are known to produce and accumulate desirable components for human consumption such as vitamins, fatty acids, protein and minerals. With the ability to grow certain species heterotrophically as well as autotrophically in different cultivation systems, such as raceways, open ponds, or closed tubular/flat plate/column bioreactors, there are a variety of cultivation options depending on space and regional limitations. Open systems are mainly used for large scale biomass production as they are cost effective and low maintenance, but due to their design they are more susceptible to contamination by other algae, grazers or bacteria. Closed, or heterotrophic systems are typically high-maintenance and therefore more expensive but allow for more controlled cultivation parameters and the production of pure, high-value compounds. As macro- and micronutrients vary greatly depending on the given cultivation conditions, such as media components, light or temperature, the ability to grow microalgae in different cultivation systems helps to establish a sustainable and nutrient-rich production of algal biomass depending on the given environment and product.