Microalgae Characterization for Consolidated and New Application in Human Food, Animal Feed and Nutraceuticals

Antonio Molino, Angela Iovine, Patrizia Casella, Sanjeet Mehariya, Simeone Chianese, Antonietta Cerbone, Juri Rimauro and Dino Musmarra
Additional contact information
Antonio Molino: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Angela Iovine: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Patrizia Casella: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Sanjeet Mehariya: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Simeone Chianese: Department of Engineering, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Real Casa dell’Annunziata, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (CE), Italy
Antonietta Cerbone: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Juri Rimauro: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Sustainability—CR Portici. P. Enrico Fermi, 1, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
Dino Musmarra: Department of Engineering, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Real Casa dell’Annunziata, Via Roma 29, 81031 Aversa (CE), Italy

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: The exploration of new food sources and natural products is the result of the increase in world population as well as the need for a healthier diet; in this context, microalgae are undoubtedly an interesting solution. With the intent to enhance their value in new commercial applications, this paper aims to characterize microalgae that have already been recognized as safe or authorized as additives for humans and animals ( Chlorella vulgaris , Arthrospira platensis , Haematococcus pluvialis , Dunaliella salina ) as well as those that have not yet been marketed ( Scenedesmus almeriensis and Nannocholoropsis sp.). In this scope, the content of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, total dietary fiber, humidity, ash, and carotenoids has been measured via standard methods. In addition, individual carotenoids (beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein) as well as individual saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been identified and quantified chromatographically. The results confirm the prerogative of some species to produce certain products such as carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and proteins, but also show how their cellular content is rich and diverse. H. pluvialis green and red phases, and Nannochloropsis sp., in addition to producing astaxanthin and omega-3, contain about 25–33% w / w proteins on a dry basis. D. salina is rich in beta-carotene (3.45% w / w on a dry basis), S. Almeriensis is a source of lutein (0.30% w / w on a dry basis), and the C. vulgaris species is a protein-based microalgae (45% w / w on a dry basis). All, however, can also produce important fatty acids such as palmitic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. Considering their varied composition, these microalgae can find applications in multiple sectors. This is true for microalgae already on the market as well as for promising new sources of bioproducts such as S. almeriensis and Nannochloropsis sp.

Keywords: market; bio-products; protein; lipids; carotenoids; Arthospira platensis; Scenedesmus almeriensis; Haematococcus pluvialis; Chlorella vulgaris; Dunaliella salina; Nannochloropsis sp. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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