Commercial-Scale Production of Microalgae for Bioproducts

Microalgae are a very diverse assemblage of organisms and this diversity is reflected in the wide variety of chemical compounds of potential commercial interest they produce. Microalgae currently are being produced commercially for the production of health foods (Chlorella, Arthrospira [“Spirulina”]) and valuable fine chemicals such as β‐carotene (Dunaliella salina), astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (Crypthecodinium cohnii, Schizochytrium), and new algae and algal products are being developed. This chapter discusses and compares commercial‐scale algal culture systems, and the particular requirements and processes of commercial‐scale culture and processing of these algae. Potential new products from microalgae, such as other carotenoids and xanthophylls, sterols, polyhydroxyalkonates and paramylon, are described. The importance of quality control and regulations is also considered.