A review of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of marine zoosporic microorganisms and their commercialization

Abstract Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are nutritionally and pharmacologically well-recognized beneficial compounds widely used as nutrient supplements for various applications. As the human body cannot accomplish de novo synthesis of PUFA, we depend on exogenous bioresources for the supply of these essential PUFA for day-to-day activities. The PUFA global market is expected to reach about US$ 9.7 billion by 2032. The recent drop in natural fish catch and global climate change severely hamper the global PUFA supply chain. As a sustainable, promising resource, marine zoosporic microorganisms are considered to be safe and alternative primary producers of beneficial PUFAs for direct and indirect human consumption. However, by considering the limitations associated with strain efficiency, final product yield and production cost, more viable low-cost production strategies and establishment of highly efficient, stable, high production cell lines specific for marine zoosporic microbes are essential to meet global PUFA market demand. The exploration of the latest techniques for research and development could shape the dynamics better for the global market for marine zoosporic organism-based PUFA products. Therefore, this review first summarizes low-cost production and strain improvement strategies, and later highlights the advantages and commercial prospects for marine zoosporic microbe-derived PUFA.