Innovative Applications of Microalgae: Advancements in Health Care, Antioxidants, Synthetic Biology, and Functional Foods

Microalgae, a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms, are recognized for their ability to synthesize a vast array of bioactive substances including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and pigments. These compounds are celebrated not only for their health benefits but also for their considerable industrial potential. Microalgae's ability to produce these high-value molecules positions them at the forefront of bioscience research, particularly as a sustainable solution in health and industry sectors. There remains, however, a need to deepen our understanding of their metabolic processes and the economic viability of their large-scale production.

The investigation into microalgae seeks to illuminate the recent trends and innovations in their application. The primary objective is to uncover how these microorganisms can revolutionize areas such as healthcare, through the production of innovative therapeutic agents and antibodies, the enhancement of antioxidant applications, and their incorporation into synthetic biology and functional foods. By exploring microalgae’s roles in drug metabolism and transport, the research also aims to decipher their potential impact on pharmaceutical development.

This Research Topic invites contributions that focus on, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Healthcare applications of microalgae and their therapeutic potentials
- Immunomodulatory and antibody production using microalgae
- Antioxidant benefits from microalgae in health contexts
- Metabolism and transport of bioactive compounds derived from microalgae
- Role of microalgae in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Synthetic biology approaches for enhancing microalgae utility
- Nutritional impacts of microalgae-derived functional foods
- Bioprocess engineering challenges in microalgae production
- Sustainability practices in microalgae cultivation and commercialization

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that provide new insights into these areas. Manuscripts should focus on innovative methods, comprehensive studies, and interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to the advancement of microalgae research.

Studies need to comply with the best practice guidelines of the section if plant or fungal extracts or other complex mixtures are investigated including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology. A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction, and processing is essential. You can freely download the full version here. Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool, and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Please note the traditional context including the primary background and modern uses with supporting references must be included in the manuscript introduction. Purely in silico approaches using complex mixtures (extracts) are generally not considered.

Keywords: Microalgae, Health care applications, Antioxidants, Synthetic biology, Functional foods, Bioactivecompounds, Therapeutics, Immunomodulatory compounds, Nutritional supplements, Bioprocess engineering, Sustainable production, Environmental impact, Large-scale cultivation, Biotechnology, Innovative methods, Chinese Traditional Medicine

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.