Microalgae-based bioactive materials for healthcare applications

Microalgae have emerged as a promising candidate for bioactive materials, owing to their exceptional characteristics including biocompatibility, degradability, high reproducibility, and environmental adaptability. Beyond these core traits, microalgae possess unique functional attributes, such as the ability to produce oxygen, carry self-fluorescing chlorophyll for tracking and imaging, and load molecular drugs, making them versatile as primary functional materials, auxiliary materials, or carrier materials. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the design principles and effectiveness of microalgal bioactive materials in promoting human health, while also summarizing current trends in microalgae applications within bioactive materials. Additionally, it explores the prospects and potential of microalgae to unlock novel applications in the healthcare field, ultimately providing valuable directions for future research in this burgeoning area.