Microalgae Based Nutraceuticals: Sustainable Food Solutions for the Future

The field of microalgae-based nutraceuticals is rapidly gaining attention as a sustainable solution for future food and health needs. Microalgae are recognized for their potential to produce high-value nutraceutical compounds with therapeutic applications, making them a promising resource in the bio-economy. They are rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, pigments, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, which have been shown to improve mammalian health through antioxidant, analgesic, anti-allergic, antiviral, and cardiovascular protective effects. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in the commercialization of microalgae, including variations in biomass composition, energy-intensive harvesting methods, and the need for optimized bio-refinery routes and comprehensive techno-economic analyses. Current research highlights the potential of microalgae as sources of functional foods and chemo-preventive diets, emphasizing their richness in carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, and omega-rich oils. However, further investigation is needed to address these challenges and fully realize the potential of microalgae in the nutraceutical industry.

This research topic aims to explore the optimization of upstream and downstream processes, the potential therapeutic applications, and the functional characterization of nutrient compounds derived from microalgae. The objective is to advance understanding in areas such as process development, metabolic engineering, and the structural identification of novel bioactive components. By addressing these areas, the research seeks to enhance the production and application of microalgae-based nutraceuticals, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable food solutions and improved health outcomes.

To gather further insights in the optimization and application of microalgae-based nutraceuticals, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Novel research related to commercially important potential microalgal bioactive compounds
- Process development for microalgal-based nutraceuticals
- Metabolic engineering of microalgae for enhanced production of functional or nutraceutical ingredients
- Structural identification of novel bioactive components in microalgae
- Therapeutic applications of microalgae

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microalgae, Functional Food, Nutraceuticals, Nutrition, Metabolic Engineering

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.