Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent a formidable source of metabolites: some are toxic, but many others have potential beneficial applications and are attracting a lot of interest from different industrial sectors (food, drugs, cosmetics) seeking for innovative, active and “natural” products.
Microalgae biomass represents a rich source for discovery. The potential for algae-based ingredients in the industry relies on the manipulation and targeting of ingredients to fit increasingly niche product specifications. Microalgae are exposed to extreme environment and thus have developed unique mechanism for protection. Furthermore, these organisms produce different metabolites which we need to identify and exploit in a sustainable way for the production of food, drugs and cosmetics.
Exploitation of the biotechnological potential of microalgae: the AlgaeCeuticals project