Advances in microalgal culture for aquaculture feed and other uses

The state of the art of microalgae biotechnology, particularly focusing on new culture techniques and actual and potential uses of microalgae in human and animal nutrition, in cosmetics and pharmaceutics, and for environmental applications, is described. Some examples of the world's largest commercial plants in the field are presented. For the future, it is possible to foresee a huge increase in the demand for cultured algae, in terms of both quantity and diversity. For example, aquaculture will require new animal species and, consequently, new microalgae to fulfil their nutritional needs will be necessary. The production of algae for high-value markets (aquaculture, food supplements, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals) will be developed through the search for, isolation and cultivation of new algal strains endowed with the activity of interest. Algal biomass might become an important source of biofuels, especially if its production will be carried out in low-cost photobioreactors and associated with wastewater treatment and greenhouse gas abatement.