Potential of Marine Microalgae for the Production of Food and Feed Industry

Marine microalgae are a versatile solution to global food security and environmental sustainability challenges. They are diverse and known to offer multifarious health benefits, positioning them as a viable alternative to traditional food and feed sources. This chapter underscores the potential of microalgae-derived carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds for food and feed applications and as nutraceuticals in the aquaculture sector and livestock production. Emphasis on their cultivation techniques and environmental considerations are discussed providing insights into the recent methodologies used for marine microalgae cultivation and production. Various physicochemical parameters responsible for affecting their growth, such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability, are analysed. Additionally, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis is discussed. Lastly, the integration of marine microalgae into supply chains, including regulatory and market dynamics is evaluated.