Algae For Food

Algae for Food: Cultivation, Processing and Nutritional Benefits Algae are a primitive, living photosynthetic form and they are the oldest living organism. In the marine ecosystem, algae are the primary producers that supply energy required to a diverse marine organism and especially seaweed provides a habitat for invertebrates and fishes. There have been significant advances in many areas of phycology. This book describes the advances related to food and nutrition of algae achieved during the last decades, it also identifies gaps in the present knowledge and needs for the future. The 17 chapters, grouped into 6 parts, are written by phycologists. More insight on industrial exploitation of algae and their products is supported by current studies and will help academia. The first part explains new technologies to improve the microalgal biomass, strain improvement and different methods of seaweed cultivation. In the second part, food and nutraceutical applications of algae, food safety aspects, green nanotechnology and formulation methods for the extraction and isolation of algal functional foods are described. The third part deals with pigments and carotenoids while the fourth part exploits the isolation and application of hydrocolloids, nutritional implications of algal polysaccharides and the characterization and bioactivity of fucoidans. In the fifth part, the biomedical potential of seaweed followed by agricultural applications of algae are well described. The book is an important resource for scholars that provides knowledge on wide range of topics. Key Features Covers important fields of algae from biomass production to genetic engineering aspects of algae Useful in the field of algal biotechnology, aquaculture, marine micro and macrobiology, microbial biotechnology and bioprocess technology Focuses on the therapeutic and nutritional areas of algae

Algae have a long history of use as foods and for the production of food ingredients. There is also increasing interest in their exploitation as sources of bioactive compounds for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Functional ingredients from algae for foods and nutraceuticals reviews key topics in these areas, encompassing both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae. After a chapter introducing the concept of algae as a source of biologically active ingredients for the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals, part one explores the structure and occurrence of the major algal components. Chapters discuss the chemical structures of algal polysaccharides, algal lipids, fatty acids and sterols, algal proteins, phlorotannins, and pigments and minor compounds. Part two highlights biological properties of algae and algal components and includes chapters on the antioxidant properties of algal components, anticancer agents derived from marine algae, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities of algae, and algae and cardiovascular health. Chapters in part three focus on the extraction of compounds and fractions from algae and cover conventional and alternative technologies for the production of algal polysaccharides. Further chapters discuss enzymatic extraction, subcritical water extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction of bioactives from algae, and ultrasonic- and microwave-assisted extraction and modification of algal components. Finally, chapters in part four explore applications of algae and algal components in foods, functional foods and nutraceuticals including the design of healthier foods and beverages containing whole algae, prebiotic properties of algae and algae-supplemented products, algal hydrocolloids for the production and delivery of probiotic bacteria, and cosmeceuticals from algae. Functional ingredients from algae for foods and nutraceuticals is a comprehensive resource for chemists, chemical engineers and medical researchers with an interest in algae and those in the algaculture, food and nutraceutical industries interested in the commercialisation of products made from algae. Provides an overview of the major compounds in algae, considering both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae Discusses methods for the extraction of bioactives from algae Describes the use of algae and products derived from them in the food and nutraceutical industries

Algae have been used since ancient times as food, fodder, fertilizer and as source of medicine. Nowadays seaweeds represent an unlimited source of the raw materials used in pharmaceutical, food industries, medicine and cosmetics. They are nutritionally valuable as fresh or dried vegetables, or as ingredients in a wide variety of prepared foods. In particular, seaweeds contain significant quantities of protein, lipids, minerals and vitamins. There is limited information about the role of algae and algal metabolites in medicine. Only a few taxa have been studied for their use in medicine. Many traditional cultures report curative powers from selected alga, in particular tropical and subtropical marine forms. This is especially true in the maritime areas of Asia, where the sea plays a significant role in daily activities. Nonetheless, at present, only a few genera and species of algae are involved in aspects of medicine and therapy. Beneficial uses of algae or algal products include those that may mimic specific manifestations of human diseases, production of antibiotic compounds, or improvement of human nutrition in obstetrics, dental research, thallassotherapy, and forensic medicine.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.

"Microalgae Biotechnology for Food, Health and High Value Products” presents the latest technological innovations in microalgae production, market status of algal biomass-based products, and future prospects for microalgal applications. It provides stimulating overviews from different perspectives of application that demonstrate how rapidly the commercial production of microalgae-based food, health and high value products is advancing. It also addresses a range of open questions and challenges in this field. The book highlights the latest advances of interest to those already working in the field, while providing a comprehensive overview for those readers just beginning to learn about the promise of microalgae as a sustainable source of both specialty and commercial products. It offers a valuable asset for commercial algae producers, algae product developers, scientific researchers and students who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae biotechnology for applications in health, diet, nutrition, cosmetics, biomaterials etc.

Functional Ingredients from Algae for Foods and Nutraceuticals, Second Edition presents an overview on the composition, properties and potential to develop novel ingredients and additives for functional foods and nutraceuticals. This revised edition includes recent data on the composition and biological properties of algae, along with examples of the development of novel algae products and their performance. It includes a new chapter on both conventional and green technologies for product development and will be of interest to nutrition researchers, food technologists and marine scientists, as well as those with an interest in natural product development. Addresses the chemical, nutritional and biological characterization of algae components Includes cases studies focused on bioactives and the development of novel food products Presents a new chapter on conventional and green technologies for product development

The Handbook of Microalgae-based Processes and Products provides a complete overview of all aspects involved in the production and utilization of microalgae resources at commercial scale. Divided into four parts (fundamentals, microalgae-based processes, microalgae-based products, and engineering approaches applied to microalgal processes and products), the book explores the microbiology and metabolic aspects of microalgae, microalgal production systems, wastewater treatment based in microalgae, CO2 capture using microalgae, microalgae harvesting techniques, and extraction and purification of biomolecules from microalgae. It covers the largest number of microalgal products of commercial relevance, including biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, single-cell protein, single-cell oil, biofertilizers, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, bioactive proteins, peptides and amino acids, bioactive polysaccharides, sterols, bioplastics, UV-screening compounds, and volatile organic compounds. Moreover, it presents and discusses the available engineering tools applied to microalgae biotechnology, such as process integration, process intensification, and techno-economic analysis applied to microalgal processes and products, microalgal biorefineries, life cycle assessment, and exergy analysis of microalgae-based processes and products. The coverage of a broad range of potential microalgae processes and products in a single volume makes this handbook an indispensable reference for engineering researchers in academia and industry in the fields of bioenergy, sustainable development, and high-value compounds from biomass, as well as graduate students exploring those areas. Engineering professionals in bio-based industries will also find valuable information here when planning or implementing the use of microalgal technologies. Covers theoretical background information and results of recent research. Discusses all commercially relevant microalgae-based processes and products. Explores the main emerging engineering tools applied to microalgae processes, including techno-economic analysis, process integration, process intensification, life cycle assessment, and exergy analyses.