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Carotenoid Production from Microalgae: The Portuguese Scenario
Mariam Kholany1, João A P Coutinho1, Sónia P M Ventura1
1Chemistry Department, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Microalgae efficiently produce valuable compounds for a sustainable bioeconomy. Developing advanced purification techniques is crucial for the economic viability of microalgal biorefineries.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Marine Biology
- Biorefinery
Background:
- Microalgae are recognized for their high production capacity of valuable compounds.
- The blue biorefinery concept integrates microalgal cultivation with sustainable practices.
- This approach supports the bioeconomy, environmental crisis mitigation, and resource conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microalgal carotenoids and their characteristics.
- To analyze downstream processing for carotenoid recovery and purification.
- To discuss current research and industrialization efforts in Portugal concerning blue biorefineries.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microalgal carotenoid production.
- Analysis of downstream processing techniques for pigment extraction and purification.
- Examination of ongoing initiatives and challenges in Portugal's blue biorefinery sector.
Main Results:
- Microalgae yield diverse carotenoids with significant commercial potential.
- Current downstream processing methods require enhancement for economic feasibility.
- Portugal shows growing interest in microalgal research and industrialization.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in microalgal production competitiveness are essential.
- Improved downstream pigment purification technologies are critical for economic viability.
- Government incentives are needed to foster academic-business collaboration for high-value chemical production.
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