title: Technological trends and market perspectives for production of microbial oils rich in omega-3.
abstract: In recent years, foods that contain omega-3 lipids have emerged as important promoters of human health. These lipids are essential for the functional development of the brain and retina, and reduction of the risk of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases. The global market for omega-3 production, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), saw a large expansion in the last decade due to the increasing use of this lipid as an important component of infant food formulae and supplements. The production of omega-3 lipids from fish and vegetable oil sources has some drawbacks, such as complex purification procedures, unwanted contamination by marine pollutants, reduction or even extinction of several species of fish, and aspects related to sustainability. A promising alternative system for the production of omega-3 lipids is from microbial metabolism of yeast, fungi, or microalgae. The aim of this review is to discuss the various omega-3 sources in the context of the global demand and market potential for these bioactive compounds. To summarize, it is clear that fish and vegetable oil sources will not be sufficient to meet the future needs of the world population. The biotechnological production of single-cell oil comes as a sustainable alternative capable of supplementing the global demand for omega-3, causing less environmental impact.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Maria de Oliveira
authors.initials: AMO
authors.lastname: Finco
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Luis Daniel Goyzueta
authors.initials: LDG
authors.lastname: Mamani
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Júlio Cesar de
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Gilberto Vinícius
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: de Melo Pereira
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Vanete
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Thomaz-Soccol
authors.affiliation: a Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) , Curitiba , PR , Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos Ricardo
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Soccol
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005395:Fish Oils; D006801:Humans; D058086:Microalgae
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids
keywords: DHA; Omega-3; fish; microbial; oil; sustainability