Biologically Active Metabolites Synthesized by Microalgae.
Microalgae are microorganisms that have different morphological, physiological, and genetic traits that confer the ability to produce different biologically active metabolites. Microalgal biotechnology has become a subject of study for various fields, due to the varied bioproducts that can be obtained from these microorganisms. When microalgal cultivation processes are better understood, microalgae can become an environmentally friendly and economically viable source of compounds of interest, because production can be optimized in a controlled culture. The bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, among others. Furthermore, these microorganisms have the ability to promote health and reduce the risk of the development of degenerative diseases. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss bioactive metabolites produced by microalgae for possible applications in the life sciences.
Laboratory of Microbiology and Biochemistry, College of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande, P.O. Box 474, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
Michele Greque
MG
de Morais
Laboratory of Microbiology and Biochemistry, College of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande, P.O. Box 474, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
Bruna da Silva
Bda S
Vaz
Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande, P.O. Box 474, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
Etiele Greque
EG
de Morais
Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande, P.O. Box 474, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
Jorge Alberto Vieira
JA
Costa
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D000470:Alkaloids; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C107733:cyanovirin N