More than biofuels – Potential uses of microalgae as sources of high-value lipids

Cultivation of microalgae has potential in producing a feedstock for biofuels and, in addition, high-value lipid bioproducts such as long-chain (≥C₂₀, LC) omega-3 oils, carotenoid pigments and squalene, as well as other non-lipid materials including exopolysaccharide. The high-value LC omega-3 oils have been conventionally sourced from fish. This paper provides a perspective on our recent study of the heterotrophic growth of thraustochytrids for their wider biotechnological potential, including as a source of a range of higher value lipids in addition to biofuels.