Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pau Loke Show
Summary: Microalgae are a promising alternative source of high-value compounds, but their full potential is limited by lack of research funding, social acceptability, and policy implementation challenges. This review highlights various microalgae biotechnologies, compares the microalgae market in Malaysia and international countries, and discusses the cultivation technologies, feasibility, challenges, and future development of the microalgae industry. This study contributes to understanding microalgae processing and the successful commercialization of microalgae products.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ramona Weinrich, Ossama Elshiewy
Summary: Algae as a novel food source is considered a promising alternative protein option for healthier and more sustainable food consumption. This study investigates attitudes towards microalgae as a food source in three Western European countries and explores the factors influencing consumer preferences. The results indicate that the target group for microalgae as food in these countries consists of individuals who prioritize a healthy lifestyle, are open to trying new foods, and have a preference for vegetarian or low meat diets. Additionally, the price competitiveness of microalgae compared to meat-based products plays a significant role in shaping positive attitudes.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Uruchaya Sonchaeng, Phanwipa Wongphan, Wanida Pan-Utai, Yupadee Paopun, Wiratchanee Kansandee, Prajongwate Satmalee, Montakan Tamtin, Prapat Kosawatpat, Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit
Summary: This study extracted water-soluble substances from Ulva rigida and prepared biodegradable films. The composition of polysaccharides and proteins in Ulva rigida was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance and high-performance liquid chromatography. The addition of glycerol significantly improved the plasticity of the films, as shown by the analysis of microstructure and properties.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Pulgar, Antonia Moya, Melissa Fernandez, Oscar Varas, Fabian Guzman-Rivas, Angel Urzua, Pedro A. Quijon, M. Roberto Garcia-Huidobro, Marcela Aldana, Cristian Duarte
Summary: Upwelling systems deliver nutrient-rich water into coastal ecosystems, influencing primary productivity and potentially altering seaweed-herbivore interactions. This study compares the physical-chemical characteristics and nutrient levels in upwelling and downwelling zones, and investigates their influence on seaweed biomolecules, algae-herbivore interactions, and the growth of sea urchins. The results show that upwelling zones have lower temperatures, lower pH, and higher phosphate concentrations, and seaweeds from upwelling zones have higher protein and carbohydrate content compared to downwelling zones. Sea urchins from upwelling zones consume and grow more than those from downwelling zones. The availability and quality of food in upwelling zones have an influence on herbivore-seaweed interactions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Madalena Caria Mendes, Sofia Navalho, Alice Ferreira, Cristina Paulino, Daniel Figueiredo, Daniel Silva, Fengzheng Gao, Florinda Gama, Gabriel Bombo, Rita Jacinto, Susana S. Aveiro, Peter S. C. Schulze, Ana Teresa Goncalves, Hugo Pereira, Luisa Gouveia, Rita F. Patarra, Maria Helena Abreu, Joana L. Silva, Joao Navalho, Joao C. S. Varela, Lais Galileu Speranza
Summary: Algae have been consumed for a long time due to their unique properties and benefits. This review focuses on the consumption of algae in Europe, including market developments, challenges, and legislation. The current consumption of algae in Europe shows that the existing legislation needs urgent update. The analysis also suggests a potential growth in the European algae market.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haixia Wang, Chun Wang, Baosheng Ge, Xuezhi Zhang, Chengxu Zhou, Xiaojun Yan, Roger Ruan, Pengfei Cheng
Summary: This research investigated the effects of feeding two types of microalgae, Chlorella sp. and Isochrysis zhangjiangensis, to Ruditapes philippinarum (clams) in monoculture and co-culture. The study simulated the presence of heavy metals Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ in the culture waters and analyzed the growth of microalgae, antioxidant activity, and changes in nutrient TN and TP. The results showed that co-culture had the highest nutrient removal efficiency, with TN and TP removal rates ranging from 47.26% to 51.36% and 78.28% to 87.72% respectively. The study also revealed the mechanisms of heavy metal transport in the algae-shellfish system.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Cundong Xie, Zu Jia Lee, Shujun Ye, Colin J. J. Barrow, Frank R. R. Dunshea, Hafiz A. R. Suleria
Summary: Recent studies have shown that marine macroalgae (seaweeds) are excellent sources of bioactive polymers and metabolites with various chemical and biological values. Polysaccharides derived from seaweeds possess a wide range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory activities. These bioactivities are mainly attributed to the complex polymeric structural features and chemical compositions of seaweed polysaccharides, which are highly influenced by the extraction methods. This study comprehensively reviews the current and prospective applications of seaweeds and their polysaccharides, as well as the structure-bioactivity relationship of seaweed-derived polysaccharides.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Zahra Ilyas, Ali Ali Redha, Yuan Seng Wu, Fathima Zahraa Ozeer, Rotimi E. Aluko
Summary: Himanthalia elongata is a brown seaweed rich in nutritional compounds and bioactive substances, including antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, and various elements. It also contains bioactive compounds like phlorotannins, flavonoids, fucoxanthin, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Comparative studies have shown that H. elongata exhibits high antioxidant capacity, phenolic content, fucose content, and potassium concentrations compared to other seaweed species. It has also demonstrated potential anti-hyperglycemic and neuroprotective activities, and is being studied for industrial food applications.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Munish Puri, Adarsha Gupta, Ross A. McKinnon, Reinu E. Abraham
Summary: Microalgae have the potential to be a valuable resource for biodiesel production, but the high energy costs associated with their cultivation, harvesting, and dewatering make algal biofuel production commercially unviable. As an alternative, microalgae biorefineries are being considered for producing bioactives to offset the costs of biofuel production. The authors suggest that producing algal bioactives through advanced manufacturing pathways, using a biorefinery approach, could be effective, profitable, and economical.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shamshad Khan, M. Naushad, Jibran Iqbal, Chinna Bathula, Gaurav Sharma
Summary: Biofuel derived from microalgae has become an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, but there are still technical and economic challenges in mass production and harvesting. This review discusses the difficulties in establishing an integrated system for large-scale microalgal production and harvesting, as well as the advancements in harvesting methods and opportunities for genetic engineering.
Article
Ecology
Guido Bonthond, Till Bayer, Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield, Nadja Starck, Gaoge Wang, Masahiro Nakaoka, Sven Kunzel, Florian Weinberger
Summary: Invasive species interact with microbiota from both their native and novel environments. The flexibility of host microbiota and host promiscuity play a role in plant and macroalgal invasions. The study suggests that non-native populations of invasive macroalgae may adapt more flexibly to new environments, potentially promoting the invasion process.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Md. Mohibbullah, Al Amin, Md. Abu Talha, Md. Abdul Baten, Md. Masud Rana, Ashfak Ahmed Sabuz, Asif Wares Newaz, Jae-Suk Choi
Summary: The study examined the properties of seaweed-based cookies made from untapped seaweed Ulva intestinalis from Bangladesh coast, including sensory, physicochemical, nutritional, and fatty acid properties. The cookies were formulated with different percentages of seaweed inclusions and were found to be acceptable in sensory analysis. Physicochemical properties were within acceptable limits, and nutritional analysis showed increased lipid and ash contents in the cookies. The fatty acid profile of Ulva intestinalis from Bangladesh was reported for the first time. Overall, cookies with 2.5% powdered Ulva intestinalis and 5% fragmented Ulva intestinalis can be marketed as healthy foods.
Article
Fisheries
S. W. K. van den Burg, S. J. I. Koch, J. L. Banach, Y. Hoffmans, L. van Hoof, R. W. Nauta, R. G. Jak, E. Makri, E. Wadsworth, S. Post, K. Kristensen
Summary: This paper introduces a generic protocol on how to approach safety of seaweed production and evaluates a prototype version of the protocol in Norway. The results show that a consistent and structured approach to safety allows for identification of key hazards and facilitates sector discussion.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
A. Derossi, M. Francavilla, M. Monteleone, R. Caporizzi, C. Severini
Summary: A multi-disciplinary approach involving biorefinery of microalgae biomass and vacuum impregnation technique was used to create innovative apple snacks with improved nutritional properties. Pressure and relaxation time were found to significantly affect the impregnation level of apples, leading to increased weight gain and reduced porosity fraction. The study highlights the potential of combining microalgae cultivation, biorefinery, and vacuum impregnation processing to enhance the nutritional quality of fruit products.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Annabell Merkel, Filippa Sawe, Cecilia Fredriksson
Summary: The article explores different ways of experiencing seaweed and algae in a Swedish context to understand their economic and social potential, by investigating validation of these marine resources through consumer perspective and online reviews. It identifies possibilities for utilizing seaweed and algae to foster future business opportunities and integrate the resource better in society, highlighting their diverse experiences in various settings and dimensions.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
(2021)