Guest Editor Special Issue "Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae"

Marine microalgae are an excellent source of carotenoids, lipids and ?-3 fatty acids, polysaccharides and vitamins, as well as being known producers of potent neurotoxins. Many of these microalgal compounds already find applications as nutraceuticals and food supplements, although increasing reports attest to the discovery of anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial compounds from lab-cultured species. Drug discovery from cultivable microorganisms represents a more environmentally-friendly approach allowing us to overcome the exploitation of marine resources by means of destructive collection practices; for this reason the search for bioactive compounds from marine microalgae is attracting a great deal of attention. Following our previous Special Issue on 'Marine Microalgae', we encourage the submission of research papers and reviews focused on bioactive compounds isolated from marine microalgae or inspired by natural compounds and produced by synthesis, highlighting novel structural features and bioactivities, from in vitro studies to biotechnological applications.