US EPA

4304346 

Journal Article 

Review 

Carotenoids from microalgae: A review of recent developments 

Gong, M; Bassi, A 

2016 

Yes 

Biotechnology Advances
ISSN: 0734-9750 

34 

8 

1396-1412 

English 

27816618 

10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.10.005 

WOS:000389113100008 

Carotenoids have been receiving increasing attention due to their potential health benefits. Microalgae are recognized as a natural source of carotenoids and other beneficial byproducts. However, the production of micro-algal carotenoids is not yet sufficiently cost-effective to compete with traditional chemical synthetic methods and other technologies such as extraction from plant based sources. This review presents the recent biotechnological developments in microalgal carotenoid production. The current technologies involved in their bioprocessing including cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and purification are discussed with a specific focus on downstream processing. The recent advances in chemical and biochemical synthesis of carotenoids are also reviewed for a better understanding of suitable and economically feasible biotechnological strategies. Some possible future directions are also proposed.