Microalgae Polysaccharides: An Overview of Production, Characterization, and Potential Applications

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of synthesizing several biocompounds, including polysaccharides with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. At the same time that the accumulation of biomolecules occurs, microalgae can use wastewater and gaseous e...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inPolysaccharides Vol. 2; no. 4; pp. 759 - 772
Main Authors Costa, Jorge Alberto Vieira, Lucas, Bárbara Franco, Alvarenga, Ana Gabrielle Pires, Moreira, Juliana Botelho, de Morais, Michele Greque
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.12.2021
Subjects
Algae
Antioxidants
Antiviral activity
Aquatic microorganisms
Biomass
Chromatography
Competitiveness
Cyanobacteria
exopolysaccharides
functional activities
microalgal cultivation
Microorganisms
Nitrogen
nutrient limitation
Nutrients
Phosphorus
Pollutants
Polysaccharides
Productivity
rheological properties
Salinity
Sodium
Wastewater
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of synthesizing several biocompounds, including polysaccharides with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. At the same time that the accumulation of biomolecules occurs, microalgae can use wastewater and gaseous effluents for their growth, mitigating these pollutants. The increase in the production of polysaccharides by microalgae can be achieved mainly through nutritional limitations, stressful conditions, and/or adverse conditions. These compounds are of commercial interest due to their biological and rheological properties, which allow their application in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and foods. Thus, to increase the productivity and competitiveness of microalgal polysaccharides with commercial hydrocolloids, the cultivation parameters and extraction/purification processes have been optimized. In this context, this review addresses an overview of the production, characterization, and potential applications of polysaccharides obtained by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Moreover, the main opportunities and challenges in relation to obtaining these compounds are highlighted.
ISSN:2673-4176
2673-4176
DOI:10.3390/polysaccharides2040046