Microalgae as an emerging alternative raw material of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid – a review

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been widely applied due to their nutraceutical and healthcare benefits. With the rising rates of chronic diseases, there is a growing consumer interest and demand for sustainable dietary sources of n-3 PUFAs. Currently, microalgae have emerged as a sustainable source of n-3 PUFAs which are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), regarded as promising alternatives to conventional sources (seafood) that cannot meet the growing demands of natural food supplements. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in strategies such as genetic engineering, mutagenesis, improving photosynthetic efficiency, nutritional or environmental factors, and cultivation approaches to improve DHA and EPA production efficiency in microalgae cells. Additionally, it explains the application of DHA and EPA-rich microalgae in animal feed, human nutrition- snacks, and supplements to avoid malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.