About this Research Topic
The successful development of a strong bio-economy depends on the effective utilization of sustainable bio-based resources. Microalgae have been accepted as one of the most economically viable and sustainable sources to produce high-value nutraceutical compounds with potential therapeutic applications in the health sector. Microalgae are rich in a variety of nutritionally important compounds such as protein, pigments, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. Reported improvement in mammalian health includes antioxidant, analgesic, anti-allergic, antiviral, antidiuretic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-carcinogenic, and cardiovascular protective effects. However, microalgal biomass production, their composition variations, energy-intensive harvesting methods, optimized bio-refinery routes, and lack of techno-economic analysis are major challenges in commercialization. Among promising sources of functional foods and chemo-preventive diets of interest, microalgae are gaining worldwide attention, based on their richness in high-value products, including carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, omega-rich oils and, in general, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as phycobiliproteins. The beneficial effects of microalgae on human health could be useful in the future in preventing or delaying the onset of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
This research topic will target research papers, reviews, and perspectives on the upstream process optimization, effective downstream process, potential therapeutic applications and functional characterization of nutrient compounds from microalgae. This research topic also aims to demonstrate research associated with the upstream and downstream process, applications, nutrition, and regulatory mechanisms of functional molecules in microalgae.
We welcome submissions related to the following:
• Novel research related to commercially important potential microalgal bioactive compounds
• Process development for the microalgal based nutraceuticals
• Metabolic engineering of microalgae for functional or nutraceutical ingredients enhancement in production
• Structural identification of novel bioactive components in microalgae
• Therapeutic applications of microalgae
This research topic will target research papers, reviews, and perspectives on the upstream process optimization, effective downstream process, potential therapeutic applications and functional characterization of nutrient compounds from microalgae. This research topic also aims to demonstrate research associated with the upstream and downstream process, applications, nutrition, and regulatory mechanisms of functional molecules in microalgae.
We welcome submissions related to the following:
• Novel research related to commercially important potential microalgal bioactive compounds
• Process development for the microalgal based nutraceuticals
• Metabolic engineering of microalgae for functional or nutraceutical ingredients enhancement in production
• Structural identification of novel bioactive components in microalgae
• Therapeutic applications of microalgae
Keywords: Microalgae, Functional Food, Nutraceuticals, Nutrition, Metabolic Engineering
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
