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Review
. 2015 Jul 9;13(7):4231-54.
doi: 10.3390/md13074231.

Advances in Microalgae-Derived Phytosterols for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

Xuan Luo  1   2 , Peng Su  3   4 , Wei Zhang  5   6
Affiliations
Review

Advances in Microalgae-Derived Phytosterols for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

Xuan Luo et al. Mar Drugs. .

Abstract

Microalgae contain a variety of bioactive lipids with potential applications in aquaculture feed, biofuel, food and pharmaceutical industries. While microalgae-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and their roles in promoting human health have been extensively studied, other lipid types from this resource, such as phytosterols, have been poorly explored. Phytosterols have been used as additives in many food products such as spread, dairy products and salad dressing. This review focuses on the recent advances in microalgae-derived phytosterols with functional bioactivities and their potential applications in functional food and pharmaceutical industries. It highlights the importance of microalgae-derived lipids other than PUFA for the development of an advanced microalgae industry.

Keywords: functional food; lipids; microalgae; pharmaceuticals; phytosterols.

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Figure 1
Figure 1
Nomenclature of phytosterols. Numbering follows the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and International Union of Biochemistry 1989 recommendations with modifications [1].
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