Advances in microalgae-derived phytosterols for functional food and pharmaceutical applications

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    175 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Microalgae contain a variety of bioactive lipids with potential applications in aquaculture feed, biofuel, food and pharmaceutical industries. While microalgae-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and their roles in promoting human health have been extensively studied, other lipid types from this resource, such as phytosterols, have been poorly explored. Phytosterols have been used as additives in many food products such as spread, dairy products and salad dressing. This review focuses on the recent advances in microalgae-derived phytosterols with functional bioactivities and their potential applications in functional food and pharmaceutical industries. It highlights the importance of microalgae-derived lipids other than PUFA for the development of an advanced microalgae industry.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)4231-4254
    Number of pages24
    JournalMarine Drugs
    Volume13
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2015

    Keywords

    • Functional food
    • Lipids
    • Microalgae
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Phytosterols

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Advances in microalgae-derived phytosterols for functional food and pharmaceutical applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this