Biomolecules from Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: Applications and Market Survey

Nowadays, microalgae and cyanobacteria have become a promising and sustainable source of useful products, thanks to their richness in bioactive metabolites of high value (antibiotics, toxins, pharmaceutically active compounds, plant growth regulators, and others). These photoautotroph microorganisms generate biomass using photosynthesis. This review, which distinguishes microalgae and Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green microalgae, aims to present their classification and taxonomic diversity as the ecological niches occupied by them. In addition, the usages of open ponds and photobioreactors to produce various microalgae and Cyanobacteria strains and the high-value bioactive compounds from these microorganisms are summarized. Finally, the numerous commercial applications of these phytoplanktons in different fields, such as food, dietary supplements, feed, cosmetic, and biofuel applications, are reviewed.

Automated summary

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising and sustainable sources of valuable bioactive metabolites. This review focuses on their classification, taxonomic diversity, and ecological niches. It also summarizes the methods of cultivating and extracting high-value bioactive compounds from these microorganisms using open ponds and photobioreactors. Furthermore, it reviews the various commercial applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria in fields such as food, dietary supplements, feed, cosmetics, and biofuels.