Initially, our paper's rationale was on the use of lipid extracted from algae (Chlorella sorokiniana) in biofuel. However, after deliberation of panel, they have decided that researching on biofuels is not a novel and practical field. We are having a hard time in looking for other possible applications of microalgal lipids that would be feasible.
Hi Cathy,
As we know, fish and shellfish formulated diets should contain C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, linoleic [18:2n-6] and linolenic [18:3n-3] acids), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA, omega-3 [n-3] and omega-6 [n-6]), in order to meet the requirements of the animals (González-Félix et al., 2002; González-Félix et al., 2010).
Among potential ingredients an alternative source of fatty acids in aqua-feed is algae (Miller et al., 2007), including source of EPA, DHA and ARA. Microalgae is also considered as sustainable sources of oils rich in long chain n-3 PUFA (n-3 LC-PUFA). Therefore, you may try it in fish or shellfish nutritional research studies, which could be feasible.
Good luck,
Michael
Some of the alternative applications of algae lipids are:
1. In the production of biodegradable polymers
2. Food production (Carotenoids, Astaxanthin, Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
3. As an alternative to chemical dyes and coloring agents.
4. In pharmaceuticals: as antioxidants e.t.c.
there's more on
Marine Algae Extracts: Processes, Products, and Applications, First Edition. Edited by Se-Kwon Kim and Katarzyna Chojnacka, 2015
regards
Hi Cathy,
Recently, it seems that production of biodiesel only from the algal lipids/fats is a cost-intensive process which is facing problem regarding its feasibility in large scale. So, extraction of several oil-soluble biochemicals from the algal lipids should be conducted along with the production of biodiesel. The biochemicals (details already provided in the previous answers), being very highly priced can offset the production cost of the whole process to feasible limits.
All the best,
Michael
This review could
be of interest:
Article Present and Potential Industrial Applications of Macro- and Microalgae
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