Microalgae as the Production Platform for Carotenoids

This eBook is an Open Access distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license, which allows users to download, copy and build upon published articles even for commercial purposes, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. However, users who aim to disseminate and distribute copies of this book as a whole must not seek monetary compensation for such service (excluded OMICS Group representatives and agreed collaborations). After this work has been published by OMICS Group, authors have the right to republish it, in whole or part, in any publication of which they are the author, and to make other personal use of the work. Any republication, referencing or personal use of the work must explicitly identify the original source. Statements and opinions expressed in the book are these of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in the published chapters. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the use of any materials, instructions, methods or ideas contained in the book. Abstract Microalgae represent a sustainable source of natural products. Over 15,000 novel compounds have been identified in microalgae. This chapter focuses on algae-derived carotenoids, a group of high-value products. Carotenoids are a group of structurally diverse terpenoid pigments with broad applications in feed, food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Production of carotenoids has been one of the most successful activities in microalgal biotechnology achieving great commercial success. This chapter aims to give a mini review of biology and industrial potential of using microalgae as a production platform for carotenoids. The path forward for further expansion of the microalgal carotenoid production with respect to both challenges and opportunities is also discussed.