Potential of Microalgae Extracts for Food and Feed Supplementation—A Promising Source of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Open accessAbstract
Microalgae are known producers of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them natural alternatives to be used as food and feed functional ingredients. This study aimed to valorise biomass and exploit new applications and commercial value for four commercially available microalgae: Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloropsis sp., Tetraselmis sp., and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. For that, five extracts were obtained: acetone (A), ethanol (E), water (W), ethanol:water (EW). The antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+/DPPH•/•NO/O2•−/ORAC-FL) and anti-inflammatory capacity (HBRC/COX-2) of the extracts were screened. The general biochemical composition (carbohydrates, soluble proteins, and lipids) and the main groups of bioactive compounds (carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and peptides) of extracts were quantified. The results of antioxidant assays revealed the potential of some microalgae extracts: in ABTS•+, Nannochloropsis sp. E and Tetraselmis sp. A, E, and P; in DPPH•, Tetraselmis sp. A and E; in •NO, P. tricornutum E and EW; in O2•−, Tetraselmis sp. W; and in ORAC-FL, I. galbana EW and P. tricornutum EW. Concerning anti-inflammatory capacity, P. tricornutum EW and Tetraselmis sp. W showed a promising HBRC protective effect and COX-2 inhibition. Hence, Tetraselmis sp. and P. tricornutum extracts seem to have potential to be incorporated as feed and food functional ingredients and preservatives.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Omega-3 PUFAs from Nannochloropsis and Isochrysis modulate oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signalling pathway, upregulating antioxidant defence genes.
“Moreover, omega-3 PUFAs from Nannochloropsis and Isochrysis modulate oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signalling pathway, upregulating genes associated with antioxidant defence [21].”
From Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
The Discussion (page unavailable) identifies omega-3 EPA in Nannochloropsis and links its extract to antioxidant capacity; the Results (§3.3, page unavailable) also report antioxidant activity for an Isochrysis extract. The paper tests whole extracts, however, and does not establish that omega-3 PUFAs act through Nrf2 or upregulate antioxidant-defence genes. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredPhycocyanin demonstrates potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties by upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes and downregulating key inflammatory mediators.
“Phycocyanin, a pigment–protein complex derived from Spirulina, demonstrates potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties by upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes and downregulating key inflammatory mediators [21].”
From Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
The Introduction mentions Spirulina as a historical food source, while the Results (sections 3.3–3.4) assess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in extracts from other microalgae. Searches for phycocyanin, neuroprotection, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory mediators found no passage addressing the claimed effects or mechanisms. (LLM, conf=0.78)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredMarine-sourced PUFAs EPA and DHA promote lipid catabolism, reduce hepatic triglyceride synthesis, and enhance lipoprotein clearance, largely mediated through PPAR-α activation.
“Marine-sourced PUFAs, particularly EPA and DHA produced by Nannochloropsis, Schizochytrium, and Isochrysis, have been shown to promote lipid catabolism, reduce hepatic triglyceride synthesis, and enhance lipoprotein clearance. These effects are largely mediated through the activation of PPAR-α, a key transcription factor involved in FA β-oxidation and glucose homeostasis [21].”
From Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
The Discussion identifies Nannochloropsis as a source of EPA and discusses the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of microalgal extracts. It does not address lipid catabolism, hepatic triglyceride synthesis, lipoprotein clearance, or PPAR-α activation; searches for those mechanisms found no matching passage in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSpirulina supplementation enhances short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate, fostering colonic health and reducing systemic inflammation.
“For instance, studies show that supplementation with Spirulina enhances short-chain FA (SCFA) production, particularly butyrate, which fosters colonic health and reduces systemic inflammation [21].”
From Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
The Introduction mentions Spirulina as a food supplement, but the study examines extracts from four other microalgae. The Discussion and Results address anti-inflammatory activity without linking it to Spirulina supplementation. Searches for short-chain fatty acids, butyrate, colonic health, and systemic inflammation found no passage supporting the claimed mechanism or effects. (LLM, conf=0.76)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR THE ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF TOTAL LIPIDES FROM ANIMAL TISSUES
Folch, J., Lees, M., & Stanley, G. H. S. (1957) · Journal of Biological Chemistry · doi:10.1016/s0021-9258(18)64849-5 · Cited by 65,189 · see citing works
Colorimetric Method for Determination of Sugars and Related Substances
DuBois, M., Gilles, K. A., Hamilton, J. K., Rebers, P. A., & Smith, F. (1956) · Analytical Chemistry · doi:10.1021/ac60111a017 · Cited by 52,269 · see citing works
Extending Applicability of the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC−Fluorescein) Assay
Dávalos, A., Gómez‐Cordovés, C., & Bartolomé, B. (2003) · Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry · doi:10.1021/jf0305231 · Cited by 1,211 · see citing works
Current Status of the Algae Production Industry in Europe: An Emerging Sector of the Blue Bioeconomy
Araújo, R., Vázquez Calderón, F., Sánchez López, J., Azevedo, I. C., Bruhn, A., Fluch, S., Garcia Tasende, M., Ghaderiardakani, F., Ilmjärv, T., Laurans, M., et al. (2021) · Frontiers in Marine Science · doi:10.3389/fmars.2020.626389 · Cited by 653 · see citing works
Phycobiliproteins as a commodity: Trends in applied research, patents and commercialization
Sekar, S., & Chandramohan, M. (2008) · Journal of Applied Phycology · doi:10.1007/s10811-007-9188-1 · Cited by 589 · see citing works
Microalgae, old sustainable food and fashion nutraceuticals
García, J. L., de Vicente, M., & Galán, B. (2017) · Microbial Biotechnology · doi:10.1111/1751-7915.12800 · Cited by 422 · see citing works
Camacho, F., Macedo, A., & Malcata, F. (2019) · Marine Drugs · doi:10.3390/md17060312 · Cited by 409 · see citing works
Batista, A. P., Niccolai, A., Fradinho, P., Fragoso, S., Bursic, I., Rodolfi, L., Biondi, N., Tredici, M. R., Sousa, I., & Raymundo, A. (2017) · Algal Research · doi:10.1016/j.algal.2017.07.017 · Cited by 407 · see citing works
Microalgae as Sources of High Added-Value Compounds—A Brief Review of Recent Work
Guedes, A. C., Amaro, H. M., & Malcata, F. X. (2011) · Biotechnology Progress · doi:10.1002/btpr.575 · Cited by 348 · see citing works
Self-citationBobo, G., Davidov‐Pardo, G., Arroqui, C., Vírseda, P., Arroyo, R. M., & Navarro, M. (2014) · Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture · doi:10.1002/jsfa.6706 · Cited by 323 · see citing works
Microalgae–nutritious, sustainable aqua-and animal feed source
Dineshbabu, G., Goswami, G., Kumar, R., Sinha, A., & Das, D. (2019) · Journal of Functional Foods · doi:10.1016/j.jff.2019.103545 · Cited by 285 · see citing works
Antioxidant Compounds from Microalgae: A Review
Coulombier, N., Jauffrais, T., & Lebouvier, N. (2021) · Marine Drugs · doi:10.3390/md19100549 · Cited by 277 · see citing works
Ahmad, A., Hassan, S. W., & BANAT, F. A. (2022) · Bioengineered · doi:10.1080/21655979.2022.2061148 · Cited by 257 · see citing works
Rapid microplate high-throughput methodology for assessment of Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity
Magalhães, L. M., Santos, F., Segundo, M. A., Reis, S., & Lima, J. L. F. C. (2010) · Talanta · doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2010.09.042 · Cited by 250 · see citing works
Evaluation of Microalgae for use as Nutraceuticals and Nutritional Supplements
Bishop, W. M., & Zubeck, H. M. (2012) · Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences · doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000147 · Cited by 203 · see citing works
Zanella, L., & Vianello, F. (2020) · Journal of Functional Foods · doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.103919 · Cited by 187 · see citing works
Downstream processing of Isochrysis galbana: a step towards microalgal biorefinery
Gilbert‐López, B., Mendiola, J. A., Fontecha, J., van den Broek, L. A. M., Sijtsma, L., Cifuentes, A., Herrero, M., & Ibáñez, E. (2015) · Green Chemistry · doi:10.1039/c5gc01256b · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Hentati, F., Delattre, C., Ursu, A.-V., Desbrières, J., Cerf, D. L., Gardarin, C., Abdelkafi, S., Michaud, P., & Pierre, G. (2018) · Carbohydrate Polymers · doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.098 · Cited by 171 · see citing works
Neumann, U., Derwenskus, F., Flaiz Flister, V., Schmid-Staiger, U., Hirth, T., & Bischoff, S. (2019) · Antioxidants · doi:10.3390/antiox8060183 · Cited by 154 · see citing works
Extraction of Pigments from Microalgae and Cyanobacteria—A Review on Current Methodologies
Pagels, F., Pereira, R. N., Vicente, A. A., & Guedes, A. C. (2021) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app11115187 · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Self-citationBioactive substances and potentiality of marine microalgae
Wu, J., Gu, X., Yang, D., Xu, S., Wang, S., Chen, X., & Wang, Z. (2021) · Food Science & Nutrition · doi:10.1002/fsn3.2471 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Microalgae for Aquaculture: The Current Global Situation and Future Trends
Muller‐Feuga, A. (2013) · doi:10.1002/9781118567166.ch33 · Cited by 109 · see citing works
Rico, M., López, A., Santana‐Casiano, J. M., González, A. G., & González‐Dávila, M. (2012) · Limnology and Oceanography · doi:10.4319/lo.2013.58.1.0144 · Cited by 109 · see citing works
Tabarzad, M., Atabaki, V., & Hosseinabadi, T. (2020) · Molecular Biology Reports · doi:10.1007/s11033-020-05562-9 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Characterization of Antioxidant Potential of Seaweed Extracts for Enrichment of Convenience Food
Corsetto, P. A., Montorfano, G., Zava, S., Colombo, I., Ingadóttir, B., Jónsdóttir, R., Sveinsdóttir, K., & Rizzo, A. M. (2020) · Antioxidants · doi:10.3390/antiox9030249 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Potential of microalga Isochrysis galbana: Bioactivity and bioaccessibility
Bonfanti, C., Cardoso, C. L., Afonso, C. M., Matos, J., Garcia, T., Tanni, S. É., & Bandarra, N. M. (2017) · Algal Research · doi:10.1016/j.algal.2017.11.035 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Cui, Y., Thomas‐Hall, S. R., & Schenk, P. M. (2019) · Food Chemistry · doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.06.004 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Arbutus unedo aqueous extract
Moualek, I., Aiche, G., Mestar, N. G., Lahcene, S., & Houalı, K. (2016) · Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine · doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.09.002 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Nunes, M. C., Fernandes, I., Vasco, I., de Sousa, I. M. N., & Raymundo, A. (2020) · Foods · doi:10.3390/foods9050579 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Pinho, B. R., Sousa, C., Valentão, P., & Andrade, P. B. (2011) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0024098 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Ben, H. R., Ben, I., Garrab, M., Raies, A. M., Gagnon, J., & Naghmouchi, K. (2017) · Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society · doi:10.2298/jsc161016036b · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Commercial‐Scale Production of Microalgae for Bioproducts
Borowitzka, M. A. (2018) · Blue Biotechnology · doi:10.1002/9783527801718.ch2 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Kashif, S. A., Hwang, Y. J., & Park, J. K. (2018) · Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering · doi:10.1007/s00449-018-1987-z · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Optimization and Validation of Two High-Throughput Methods Indicating Antiradical Activity
Granados-Guzmán, G., Salazar‐Aranda, R., Garza-Tapia, M., et al. (2017) · Current Analytical Chemistry · doi:10.2174/1573411013666170118111516 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Enrichment of convenience seafood with omega-3 and seaweed extracts: Effect on lipid oxidation
Dellarosa, N., Laghi, L., Martinsdóttir, E., Jónsdóttir, R., & Sveinsdóttir, K. (2014) · LWT · doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2014.09.032 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Savio, S., Farrotti, S., Paris, D., Arnáiz, E., Díaz, I., Bolado, S., Muñoz, R., Rodolfo, C., & Congestri, R. (2020) · Algal Research · doi:10.1016/j.algal.2020.101830 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Anti-inflammatory effect of microalgal extracts from Tetraselmis suecica
Jo, W. S., Choi, Y. J., Kim, H. J., Nam, B. H., Hong, S. H., Lee, G. A., Lee, S. W., Seo, S. Y., & Jeong, M. H. (2010) · Food Science and Biotechnology · doi:10.1007/s10068-010-0216-6 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Deniz, İ., García‐Vaquero, M., & İmamoğlu, E. (2017) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-101023-5.00018-2 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Bioactive Ingredients from Microalgae: Food and Feed Applications
PATRAS, D., MORARU, C. V., & SOCACIU, C. (2019) · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Food Science and Technology · doi:10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2018.0018 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Synechocystis salina: potential bioactivity and combined extraction of added-value metabolites
Assunção, J., Amaro, H. M., Lopes, G., Tavares, T. G., Malcata, F. X., & Guedes, A. C. (2021) · Journal of Applied Phycology · doi:10.1007/s10811-021-02558-1 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion
Guil-Guerrero, J. L., & Prates, J. A. M. (2025) · Foods · doi:10.3390/foods14122122 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“For instance, studies show that supplementation with Spirulina enhances short-chain FA (SCFA) production, particularly butyrate, which fosters colonic health and reduces systemic inflammation [21].”
InfluentialBioactive compounds from micro-algae and its application in foods: A review
Siddhnath, Surasani, V. K. R., Singh, A., Singh, S. M., Hauzoukim, Murthy, L. N., & Baraiya, K. G. (2024) · Discover Food · doi:10.1007/s44187-024-00096-6 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Bürck, M., Ramos, S. D. P., & Braga, A. R. C. (2024) · Foods · doi:10.3390/foods13121811 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
- Authors
- Pagels, F., Amaro, H. M., Tavares, T. G., Amil, B. F., & Guedes, A. C.
- Affiliations
- Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Corresponding author
- Guedes, A. Catarina
- Venue
- Life
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2022-11-16
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 1901
- ISSN
- 2075-1729 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC9693645
- OpenAlex
- W4309312463
- Cited by
- 35
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 3
- FWCI
- 5.61
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Life (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/136767/2018, UIDB/04423/2020, UIDP/04423/2020, UIDB/00511/2020)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
- Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptides
- Keywords
- microalgae extracts, Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, COX-2 inhibition, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, bioactive peptides, functional food ingredients, feed additives, preservatives, extraction solvents
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
