Polyunsaturated fatty acids: biological significance, biosynthesis, and production by microalgae and microalgae-like organisms

Abstract

Growing interest in the nutritional and pharmaceutical importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has created an increasing demand for purified PUFAs. As the traditional sources are insufficient for satisfying this demand, alternative sources are being sought. Microalgae are a great source of many highly valuable products and they are considered a potential alternative for the large-scale production of PUFAs. Investigations have been actively carried out for screening of potential microalgal strains and development of feasible culture techniques for the commercial production of these vital compounds.