Review Paper:
Microalgae derived
bioactive compounds and their biological activities and sustainable applications:
A review
Manivannan Govindasamy, Nivaedhitha Mohan Kumar, Ponmurugan Karuppiah, Abinaya Subramanian
and Uma Eswaranpillai
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(12); 296-313;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2012rjbt2960313; (2025)
Abstract
Microalgae, considered as the foundation of aquatic ecosystems, had emerged as promising
candidates for a wide range of sustainable applications. This review explores their
diverse roles across environmental, industrial and biomedical sectors, emphasizing
their unique physicochemical properties and rich metabolic profile. Microalgae produce
a variety of bioactive compounds including proteins, lipids, pigments (chlorophyll,
carotenoids, phycocyanin), polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. Microalgal derived
compounds exhibit significant biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, antiviral, anti-obesity and anticancer effects, offering potential
for therapeutic and nutraceutical development. Particular focus is placed on their
role in renewable energy, as microalgae serve as feedstocks for biofuels such as
biodiesel, bioethanol, biomethane, biocrude oil and biohydrogen due to their high
lipid content and rapid biomass productivity.
Despite their promising potential, several limitations hinder large-scale industrial
application including high production costs, energy-intensive harvesting processes
and the need for optimized cultivation systems. Advances in genetic engineering,
metabolic pathway optimization and biorefinery integration are being explored to
overcome these challenges. This review also outlines future directions for enhancing
microalgae utilization through technological innovation, interdisciplinary collaborations
and supportive policies. Microalgae represent a multifunctional and sustainable
biological resource with transformative potential in green technologies, renewable
energy, environmental remediation and human health, making a key component in addressing
global sustainability challenges.
