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Journal ArticleDOI

Functional properties of carotenoids originating from algae

TL;DR: Production of carotenoids from algae has many advantages compared to other sources; for example, their production is cheap, easy and environmentally friendly; their extraction is easier, with higher yields, and there is no lack of raw materials or limited seasonal variation.
Abstract: Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules which are synthesised de novo by photosynthetic plants, fungi and algae and are responsible for the orange, yellow and some red colours of various fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds, some of which act as provitamins A. These compounds can be divided into xanthophylls and carotenes. Many macroalgae and microalgae are rich in carotenoids, where these compounds aid in the absorption of sunlight. Industrially, these carotenoids are used as food pigments (in dairy products, beverages, etc.), as feed additives, in cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals, especially nowadays when there is an increasing demand by consumers for natural products. Production of carotenoids from algae has many advantages compared to other sources; for example, their production is cheap, easy and environmentally friendly; their extraction is easier, with higher yields, and there is no lack of raw materials or limited seasonal variation. Recently, there has been considerable interest in dietary carotenoids with respect to their antioxidant properties and their ability to reduce the incidence of some chronic diseases where free radicals are involved. Possibly, carotenoids protect cells from oxidative stress by quenching singlet oxygen damage with various mechanisms. Therefore, carotenoids derived from algae could be a leading natural resource in the research for potential functional ingredients.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper aims to provide a review on the available literature about the cultivation of microalgae for the accumulation of high-value compounds along with lipids or carbohydrates focusing on stress cultivation conditions.

657 citations


Cites background from "Functional properties of carotenoid..."

  • ...Due to their color, carotenoids are used also as natural colorants (Campo et al., 2007; Christaki et al., 2013; Yuan et al., 2011)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review presents the major compounds found in macroalga showing antimicrobial activities and their most promising applications.
Abstract: Seaweed produces metabolites aiding in the protection against different environmental stresses. These compounds show antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Macroalgae can be cultured in high volumes and would represent an attractive source of potential compounds useful for unconventional drugs able to control new diseases or multiresistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms. The substances isolated from green, brown and red algae showing potent antimicrobial activity belong to polysaccharides, fatty acids, phlorotannins, pigments, lectins, alkaloids, terpenoids and halogenated compounds. This review presents the major compounds found in macroalga showing antimicrobial activities and their most promising applications.

371 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The properties of biologically active compounds extracted from the biomass of algae reported in the literature are presented in a structured way and a list of applications of algal extracts in different developing branches of agriculture (biostimulants, bioregulators, feed additives) and in pharmaceutical industry is assembled.
Abstract: Algal extracts are gaining increasing interest due to their unique composition and possibilities of wide industrial applications. Various extraction techniques are used for conversion of algal biomass into extracts. Recently, attention of scientists has been paid to novel methods, such as enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, which enable the extraction of biologically active compounds without their degradation. In this review, the properties of biologically active compounds extracted from the biomass of algae reported in the literature are presented in a structured way. Algal extracts contain compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, oil, fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as bioactive compounds such as antioxidants (polyphenols, tocopherols [vitamin E], vitamin C, mycosporine-like amino acids), and pigments, such as carotenoids (carotene xanthophyll), chlorophylls, and phycobilins (phycocyanin, phycoerythrin), which possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Finally, we assemble a list of applications of algal extracts in different developing branches of agriculture (biostimulants, bioregulators, feed additives) and in pharmaceutical industry.

354 citations


Cites background from "Functional properties of carotenoid..."

  • ...It is assumed that carotenoids are thought to protect cells from oxidative stress by quenching singlet oxygen damage with various mechanisms [43]....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The main bioactive compounds in marine algae and recent advances in novel technologies for extracting them are outlined and different combinations of novel techniques used for extraction and technologies suitable for thermolabile compounds are identified.
Abstract: Marine algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds. This paper outlines the main bioactive compounds in marine algae and recent advances in novel technologies for extracting them. Novel extraction technologies reviewed include enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction. These technologies are reviewed with respect to principles, benefits, and potential applications for marine algal bioactives. Advantages of novel technologies include higher yield, reduced treatment time, and lower cost compared to traditional solvent extraction techniques. Moreover, different combinations of novel techniques used for extraction and technologies suitable for thermolabile compounds are identified. The limitations of and challenges to employing these novel extraction technologies in industry are also highlighted.

352 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview of the contributions of Algae to meet the requirements of nutrients in animal/aquaculture feed is presented and the adequate utilization of value added products in the feeds for livestock, poultry and aquaculture is highlighted.
Abstract: Despite being more popular for biofuel, microalgae have gained a lot of attention as a source of biomolecules and biomass for feed purposes. Algae farming can be established using land as well as sea and strategies can be designed in order to gain the products of specific interest in the optimal way. A general overview of the contributions of Algae to meet the requirements of nutrients in animal/aquaculture feed is presented in this study. In addition to its applications in animal/aquaculture feed, algae can produce a number of biomolecules including astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, phycobiliprotein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), beta-1,3-glucan, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds which have been reviewed with respect to their commercial importance and current status. The review is further extended to highlight the adequate utilization of value added products in the feeds for livestock, poultry and aquaculture (with emphasis in shrimp farming).

347 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The various aspects associated with the design of microalgae production units are described, giving an overview of the current state of development of algae cultivation systems (photo-bioreactors and open ponds).
Abstract: Sustainable production of renewable energy is being hotly debated globally since it is increasingly understood that first generation biofuels, primarily produced from food crops and mostly oil seeds are limited in their ability to achieve targets for biofuel production, climate change mitigation and economic growth. These concerns have increased the interest in developing second generation biofuels produced from non-food feedstocks such as microalgae, which potentially offer greatest opportunities in the longer term. This paper reviews the current status of microalgae use for biodiesel production, including their cultivation, harvesting, and processing. The microalgae species most used for biodiesel production are presented and their main advantages described in comparison with other available biodiesel feedstocks. The various aspects associated with the design of microalgae production units are described, giving an overview of the current state of development of algae cultivation systems (photo-bioreactors and open ponds). Other potential applications and products from microalgae are also presented such as for biological sequestration of CO 2 , wastewater treatment, in human health, as food additive, and for aquaculture.

5,158 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The first use of microalgae by humans dates back 2000 years to the Chinese, who used Nostoc to survive during famine, while future research should focus on the improvement of production systems and the genetic modification of strains.

3,793 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the prevalence and distribution of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and gender was estimated.
Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and gender.Methods: Summary prevalence estimates of drusen 125 pin or larger, neovascular AMD, and geographic atrophy were prepared separately for black and white persons in 5-year age intervals starting at 40 years. The estimated rates were based on a meta-analysis of recent population-based studies in the United States, Australia, and Europe. These rates were applied to 2000 US Census data and to projected US population figures for 2020 to estimate the number of the US population with drusen and AMD.Results: The overall prevalence of neovascular AMD and/or geographic atrophy in the US population 40 years and older is estimated to be 1.47% (95% confidence interval, 1.38%-1.55%), with 1.75 million citizens having AMD. The prevalence of AMD increased dramatically with age, with more than 15% of the white women older than 80 years having neovascular AMD and/or geographic atrophy. More than 7 million individuals had drusen measuring 125 pin or larger and were, therefore, at substantial risk of developing AMD. Owing to the rapidly aging population, the number of persons having AMD will increase by 50% to 2.95 million in 2020. Age-related macular degeneration was far more prevalent among white than among black persons.Conclusion: Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 1.75 million individuals in the United States. Owing to the rapid aging of the US population, this number will increase to almost 3 million by 2020.

2,389 citations

01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: Age-related macular degeneration was far more prevalent among white than among black persons, and the number of persons having AMD will increase by 50% to 2.95 million in 2020.
Abstract: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and gender. Summary prevalence estimates of drusen 125 microm or larger, neovascular AMD, and geographic atrophy were prepared separately for black and white persons in 5-year age intervals starting at 40 years. The estimated rates were based on a meta-analysis of recent population-based studies in the United States, Australia, and Europe. These rates were applied to 2000 US Census data and to projected US population figures for 2020 to estimate the number of the US population with drusen and AMD. The overall prevalence of neovascular AMD and/or geographic atrophy in the US population 40 years and older is estimated to be 1.47% (95% confidence interval, 1.38%-1.55%), with 1.75 million citizens having AMD. The prevalence of AMD increased dramatically with age, with more than 15% of the white women older than 80 years having neovascular AMD and/or geographic atrophy. More than 7 million individuals had drusen measuring 125 microm or larger and were, therefore, at substantial risk of developing AMD. Owing to the rapidly aging population, the number of persons having AMD will increase by 50% to 2.95 million in 2020. Age-related macular degeneration was far more prevalent among white than among black persons. Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 1.75 million individuals in the United States. Owing to the rapid aging of the US population, this number will increase to almost 3 million by 2020

1,850 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
A V Rao1, L G Rao1
TL;DR: Carotenoids in general and lycopene in particular are reviewed for their role in human health to support scientific evidence in support of the beneficial role of phytochemicals in the prevention of several chronic diseases.

1,792 citations