AUTHOR=Li Chao , Du Ming , Han Yujie , Sun Wentao , Chen Zixi , Liu Qiong , Zhu Hui , Zhao Liqing , Li Shuangfei , Wang Jiangxin 

TITLE=Microalgae in health care and functional foods: β-glucan applications, innovations in drug delivery and synthetic biology

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1557298

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2025.1557298

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=Microalgae are emerging as a key player in healthcare, functional foods, and sustainable biotech due to their capacity to produce bioactive compounds like β-glucans, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in an eco-friendly manner. This review comprehensively discusses the role of microalgae in healthcare and functional foods, focusing particularly on β-glucan therapeutics, drug delivery innovations, and synthetic biology applications. In healthcare, microalgae-derived compounds show immense promise for treating diseases, boosting immunity, and tackling oxidative stress. Euglena-derived paramylon, a type of β-glucan, has shown potential in various medical applications, including immunomodulation and anticancer therapy. Synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering are enhancing microalgae’s therapeutic and nutritional value, with applications in drug delivery and personalized medicine. To maximize the potential of microalgae, further research and development are needed to address scalability, regulatory alignment, and consumer acceptance, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable practices to align healthcare innovation with environmental conservation.