Downstream processing of microalgae for pigments, protein and carbohydrate in industrial application: A review

Numbers of high valued and low volume products from microalgae are already in the market and more number of products is yet to be launched. Downstream processing is the key steps to maintain the quality of the products. Therefore, this review is focused on the downstream processing of the microalgae and cyanobacterial cells for commercial production of biomolecules such as pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoid), protein, carbohydrate (agar, carageenan, alginate, fucoidan) and biopolymers. It also covers the most recent preferred downstream processes for the industries for accomplishing the desired quality of the product and recent important filed patents on downstream processing of microalgae. Further, this article highlights the recent investments made by the industries towards commercial production of microalgal-based biofuels and bio-products worldwide.