Introduction of Marine Algae Extracts

Recently, there is increased interest in naturally produced active compounds as alternatives to synthetic substances. Although these compounds often show lower activity, they are nontoxic and do not leave residues. It has already been reflected by the projects of new law regulations in EU countries that have imposed legal restrictions on the use of xenobiotics as plant protection products or preservatives. In the European Union there are plans of new directives that impose additional environmental taxes, primarily because of the residues of active substances in the environment. This implies that there is a need to develop new and safe products of biological origin, with properties similar to the synthetic, in particular antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidizing compounds, and colorants. These natural compounds are found in algal extracts (Table 1.1). Algal biomass have been used for centuries as food and medicine. The health promoting effects of algae were discovered as early as 1500 BC [1]. However, the biomass of algae gained interest as a source of chemicals and pharmaceuticals only recently. Nowadays, the production regime requires the use of extracts rather than the biomass itself, because of the formulation requirements (consistency, stability, color, flavor, etc.). Until now, algal products were available mainly as tablets, capsules, or liquid extracts, and sometimes were incorporated into food products, cosmetics, or products for plants [2]. In 2006, the market of microalgal biomass produced 5000mg dry biomass/year and generated a turnover of 1.25× 109 USD [2]. The global sector of macroalgae is worth 6 billion USD, with main contribution from hydrocolloids and crop protection products [3]. Recently, compounds derived from algae (carotenoids, β-carotene astaxanthin, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid) began to be produced on industrial scale [4]. Novel compounds isolated from algae possess a great further potential to be applied for their pharmacological and biological activity [4]. Seaweeds produce a vast spectrum of secondary metabolites because they live in nonfriendly environment but are not damaged photodynamically as they synthesize protective compounds and develop protecting mechanisms