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Review
. 2022 May:351:126910.
doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126910. Epub 2022 Feb 26.

Algae as an emerging source of bioactive pigments

Affiliations
Review

Algae as an emerging source of bioactive pigments

Anil Kumar Patel et al. Bioresour Technol. 2022 May.

Abstract

Algae have been identified as natural producer of bioactive commercial pigments. To perform photosynthesis, algae use pigments to harvest sunlight energy. The pigments found in algae are categorized in chlorophylls, phycobilins, and carotenoids. Popular carotenoids include astaxanthin, lutein,fucoxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and finds application as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoprophylactic, antitumor activities among others. Due to double-bonds in their structure, they exhibit broad health applications while protecting other molecules from oxidative stress induced by active radicals using various mechanisms. These carotenoids are synthesized by certain species as major products however they also present as byproducts in several species based on the pathway and genetic capability. Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis are ideal strains for commercial astaxanthin production. This review provides recent updates on microalgal pigment production, extraction, and purification processes to standardize and analyze for commercial production. Also, discussed the factors affecting its production, application, market potential, bottlenecks, and future prospects.

Keywords: Algae; Antioxidant; Bioactive compounds; Carotenoids; Health; Pigment.

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