Extraction and fractionation of microalgae-based protein products

Microalgae are a valuable source of proteins that can be utilized as functional, nutritional and therapeutic commodities. While process optimization and integration are still required to extend commercial applications, diverse approaches have been taken to process and characterize microalgae-derived protein products, such as protein concentrates, hydrolysates, and bioactive peptides. This review presents the current status of extraction and fractionation of protein products from microalgae and provides recommendations on: (1) processing factors (drying, cell disruption and enzymatic hydrolysis) that could affect protein release, functional properties, and extraction yield; (2) scalability and efficiency of fractionation processes for the production of protein concentrates, hydrolysates, and bioactive peptides; (3) techno-economic feasibility of algal-derived protein products; and (4) opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for further development of microalgal protein industry.