Microalgae: an alternative source to obtain essential fatty acids

Abstract

Microalgae are photosynthetic micro-organisms of great importance, since they are capable of synthesizing high value biocompounds. Fatty acids of microalgae can be produced both by autotrophic and heterotrophic pathways, and are synthesized in the chloroplast. The aim of this study is to perform a brief review of the polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by microalgae, emphasizing the influence of culture conditions, synthesis and metabolism for the production of fatty acids. This review discusses some of the work undertaken by the group LEB, and focuses on the following items: microalgae, lipid content of microalgae, fatty acid synthesis and metabolism, influence of culture conditions of microalgae for the production of lipids and fatty acid profile.