Biosynthesis and biotechnological interventions for commercial production of microalgal pigments: A review. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Srivastava, Amit; Kalwani, Mohneesh; Chakdar, Hillol; Pabbi, Sunil; Shukla, Pratyoosh
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 352(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Microalgal pigments -- Synthetic biology -- Metabolic engineering -- Phycobiliproteins -- Metabolic flux analysis; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Microalgae pigments are safe and eco-friendly in comparison to artificial dyes. Microalgal pigments are commonly utilized as health supplements. Different biotechnological approaches for improved pigment production are discussed. Cultivation costs and microbial contamination sensitivity are major obstacles. Abstract: Microalgae are photosynthetic eukaryotes that serve as microbial cell factories for the production of useful biochemicals, including pigments. These pigments are eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes and reduce environmental and health risks. They also exhibit excellent anti-oxidative properties, making them a useful commodity in the nutrition and pharmaceutical industries. Light-harvesting pigments such as chlorophylls and phycobilins, and photoprotective carotenoids are some of the most common microalgal pigments. The increasing demand for these pigments in industrial applications has prompted a need to improve their metabolic yield in microalgal cells. So far, expensive cultivation methods and sensitivity to microbial contamination remain the main obstacles to the large-scale production of these pigments. This review highlights current issues and future prospects related to the production of microalgal pigments. The review also emphasizes the use of engineering approaches such as genetic engineering, and optimization of media components and physical parameters to increase their commercial-scale production.