Research progress in microalgae nutrients: emerging extraction and purification technologies, digestive behavior, and...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Microalgae are rich sources of high-value compounds with potential applications in food and medicine.
• Growing interest exists in microalgae's digestive properties and their impact on human gut health.
• Efficient extraction, separation, and purification are crucial for industrial microalgal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review high-value compounds from microalgae.
• To highlight innovative technologies for extracting and purifying bioactive compounds.
• To discuss the digestive behavior and gut health effects of microalgal nutrients.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of microalgal components and technologies.
• Analysis of emerging green separation and purification techniques.
• Evaluation of studies on microalgal nutrient digestibility and gut microbiota impact.

Main Results:

• Microalgae contain diverse high-value compounds, including bioactive substances.
• Innovative and green technologies are rapidly advancing microalgal compound extraction and purification.
• Microalgal nutrients show favorable digestibility and can benefit gut microbes.

Conclusions:

• Advanced technologies are facilitating the scale-up and commercialization of microalgae products.
• Microalgae hold promise for improving human gut health.
• Challenges related to energy, time, and ingredient loss persist in microalgae processing.