Cited by 65Algal biology and biofuel productionAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsSeaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds

Cyanobacteria and microalgae: A renewable source of bioactive compounds and other chemicals

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Encarnação, Telma, Pais, Alberto A.C.C., Campos, Maria G., Burrows, Hugh D.·2015·Science Progress

Abstract

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are rich sources of many valuable compounds, including important bioactive and biotechnologically relevant chemicals. Their enormous biodiversity, and the consequent variability in the respective biochemical composition, make microalgae cultivations a promising resource for many novel chemically and biologically active molecules and compounds of high commercial value such as lipids and dyes. The nature of the chemicals produced can be manipulated by changing the cultivation media and conditions. Algae are extremely versatile because they can be adapted to a variety of cell culture conditions. They do not require arable land, can be cultivated on saline water and wastewaters, and require much less water than plants. They possess an extremely high growth rate making these microorganisms very attractive for use in biofuel production – some species of algae can achieve around 100 times more oil than oil seeds. In addition, microalgae and cyanobacteria can accumulate various biotoxins and can contribute to mitigate greenhouse gases since they produce biomass through carbon dioxide fixation. In this review, we provide an overview of the application of microalgae in the production of bioactive and other chemicals.

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Crossref · 10.3184/003685015x14298590596266

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82 of 82 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Cyanobacteria are prolific sources of more than 400 novel metabolites, particularly unique, biologically active peptide and polyketide metabolites.

    “Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are prolific sources of more than 400 novel metabolites, particularly unique, biologically active peptide and polyketide metabolites [86], effective at either killing cancer cells by inducing apoptotic death or affecting cell signaling via activation of the protein kinase c family [31].”

    From Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs (2019) · cites this paper as [86]

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Authors
Encarnação, T., Pais, A. A. C. C., Campos, M. G., & Burrows, H. D.
Affiliations
  • University of Coimbra (PT)
  • Coimbra University.
Corresponding author
Encarnação, Telma
Venue
Science Progress
Published
2015-06
Volume
98
Issue
2
Pages
145-168
ISSN
  • 0036-8504 (ISSN-L)
  • 2047-7163
OpenAlex
W1159785104
Cited by
65
References
82
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 1
FWCI
0.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Science Progress (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/81385/2011)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
Keywords
cyanobacteria, microalgae, bioactive compounds, microalgal biotechnology, microalgal lipids, biofuel production, biotoxins, CO2 fixation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, cultivation media, wastewater cultivation
MeSH terms
Cyanobacteria, Biodegradation, Environmental, Bioelectric Energy Sources, Conservation of Natural Resources, Biofuels, Microalgae

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