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Recent advancements in astaxanthin production from microalgae: A review
Anil Kumar Patel1, Vaibhav Sunil Tambat1, Chiu-Wen Chen2
1Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Bioresource Technology
|September 29, 2022
Summary
Microalgae are the top source for natural astaxanthin, a valuable compound with many health benefits. This review covers improving its production and extraction for large-scale use.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Microalgae are recognized as superior producers of high-value astaxanthin.
- Algal astaxanthin's bioactivities drive demand in pharmaceuticals, aquaculture, health foods, and cosmetics.
- Natural astaxanthin remains essential for human consumption and food additives, despite synthetic alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in astaxanthin production enhancement.
- To explore cost-effective extraction techniques for large-scale astaxanthin biorefineries.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of scalable upstream and downstream bioproduction aspects.
Main Methods:
- Elaboration of the biosynthetic pathway and key enzymes in astaxanthin metabolism.
- Discussion of enhancement strategies, including chemical inducers and inhibitors.
- Comparison of physical, chemical, and biological cell disruption methods for efficiency and extractability.
Main Results:
- Identification of key enzymes and metabolic processes for astaxanthin biosynthesis.
- Evaluation of chemical strategies for boosting astaxanthin yields.
- Comparative analysis of cell disruption techniques impacting astaxanthin extraction.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in enhancing microalgal astaxanthin production.
- Optimized extraction methods are crucial for cost-effective, large-scale biorefineries.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on scalable astaxanthin bioproduction.
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