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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Microalgae as sustainable nutraceutical reservoirs: A critical review of bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications
Authors
Deepali Verma
Abstract
Microalgae are among Earth's most vital
organisms, responsible for generating a substantial portion of atmospheric
oxygen through photosynthesis while thriving across remarkably diverse habitats
from freshwater lakes and vast oceans to soil surfaces and tree bark. Their
extraordinary structural versatility manifests across unicellular, colonial,
and filamentous forms, enabling colonization of virtually every ecosystem on
the planet. Particularly noteworthy are microalgae, whose resilience under
environmental stress conditions drives the biosynthesis of an impressive
arsenal of bioactive molecules, predominantly secondary metabolites. These
include polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, terpenoids, phenols,
steroids, polyketides, and alkaloids compounds of profound nutritional and
biological significance. Decades of scientific inquiry have firmly established
microalgae as a microscale biotechnology powerhouse. They are capable of
serving as a natural super factory for high-value biomolecules with compelling
applications in human health and wellness. Against a backdrop of surging global
population growth and the mounting limitations of conventional resource
streams, microalgae emerge as a transformative alternative source of
pharmaceuticals, functional foods, essential nutrients, and sustainable energy.
Yet the vast majority of microalgal species remain unexplored, representing an
immense and largely untapped reservoir of biological potential. Oceanic
strains, in particular, constitute a veritable treasure trove of therapeutic
agents, offering unprecedented pathways for novel drug discovery and the
development of next-generation synthetic prototypes. As advanced biotechnology
converges with optimized biomass cultivation and precision extraction
technologies, microalgal products are poised to emerge as indispensable natural
and medicinal commodities in the global marketplace.
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Pages:225-241
How to cite this article:
Deepali Verma "Microalgae as sustainable nutraceutical reservoirs: A critical review of bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 225-241
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