Untitled

Funder

Organizational Unit

Publications

Microalgae for biotechnological applications: Cultivation, harvesting and biomass processing

Publication . Morais Júnior, Wilson Galvão; Gorchich, Malihe; Corrêa, Priscila S.; Martins, António A.; Mata, Teresa M.; Caetano, Nídia

In either unicellular or multi-cellular form, microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms, mainly known for being part of the human diet in several world regions. More recently, they have been in the spotlight of researchers, not only because of their nutritional value, but also due to their high value-added components. This work reviews five microalgae genera: Dunaliella, Botryococcus, Chlamydomonas, Chlorella and Arthrospira, considered among the most promising for commercial biotechnological applications. The analysis shows that, although the research paradigms are generally shared among species, parameterization changes of culture environment and stress conditions, several applications can be envisaged for the cultivated species, which is discussed in this work. Besides, several applications in which these microalgae are being widely used, or are intended to be used, are analyzed and discussed. The potential applications depend on the type of metabolites found in each microalgae species, which is discussed in this work, giving examples of application and describing methods for their cultivation, harvesting and biomass processing. Thus, in addition to being used in human diet supplementation, microalgae can be used as ingredients for animal feed, medicines, cosmetics pigments, biofuels, bioplastics and biostimulants.

2020Journal article

Restricted access

Microalgae Biomolecules: Extraction, Separation and Purification Methods

Publication . Corrêa, Priscila S.; Morais Júnior, Wilson Galvão; Martins, António A.; Caetano, Nídia; Mata, Teresa M.

Several microalgae species have been exploited due to their great biotechnological potential for the production of a range of biomolecules that can be applied in a large variety of industrial sectors. However, the major challenge of biotechnological processes is to make them economically viable, through the production of commercially valuable compounds. Most of these compounds are accumulated inside the cells, requiring efficient technologies for their extraction, recovery and purification. Recent improvements approaching physicochemical treatments (e.g., supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric fields, among others) and processes without solvents are seeking to establish sustainable and scalable technologies to obtain target products from microalgae with high efficiency and purity. This article reviews the currently available approaches reported in literature, highlighting some examples covering recent granted patents for the microalgae’s components extraction, recovery and purification, at small and large scales, in accordance with the worldwide trend of transition to bio-based products.

2020Journal article

Open access