Examination of blue-green algae extract’s germination promotion effects in
artificial seeds with carrot somatic embryos showed a germination rate of over 90%
for artificial seeds containing the high molecular weight fraction (100 mgL
−1 ),
indicating improvements in the artificial seed’s germination defective conditions.
All marine blue-green algae also have very high protein content of nearly 50%.
In some cases, the content is as high as 78.4%. Growth is also very fast, with a
doubling time of nine hours, suggesting possibility for use of a new source of
single-cell protein (SCP). The fatty acids contained in marine blue-green algae also
include unsaturated fatty acids with 16 and 18 carbon atoms. Unsaturation occurs as
a result of strong light and low temperatures during culturing, suggesting possible
applications as a new oil source in addition to its pharmacological actions (Matsunaga et al. 1991; Fish and Codd 1994).
Additionally, marine blue-green algae have also been found to produce substances that can be used for cosmetics, including UV ray absorption substances,
tyrosinase inhibitor, and superoxide dismutase. Sulfated polysaccharides produced
by blue-green algae have also exhibited blood clotting and antiviral activity.
Blue-green algae have been used commercial in pigment production as well,
including phicocyanine, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and red pigments
(Vo et al. 2015).
7.6 Industrial Applications of Microalgae
7.6.1 Using Microalgae in Industry
The first research on microalgae in Korea took place with phytoplankton as part of a
marine survey in 1915. Before Korea regained independence in 1945, research was
primarily conducted by the Japanese. The first reports on phytoplankton research by
Korean scholars came in the mid-1950s. Research on microalgae became more
active in the late 1960s, and numerous academic achievements began to be realized.
Research during this time focused chiefly on microalgae typology and ecological
index organisms, but by the late 1980s it had expanded into physiological ecology,
biochemistry, genetic engineering, and bioengineering. Recently, the focus has
shifted to research and development for use of microalgae as a key biological
resource in applications for the environment and bioindustry. Current research
centers on increasing biomass and bioenergy capabilities by promoting photosynthesis mechanisms to absorb carbon dioxide, which is a cause of global warming
(Pires et al. 2012).
Rapid advancements in biotechnology have resulted in microalgae gaining
greatly in industrial usage value. Each microalgae has its own genetic properties,
serving not only as a potentially useful food source for humans but also a source of
various functional bioactive substances (such as antioxidants, anticancer agents,
immunomodulators, and agents to combat skin aging), functional food and cosmetic
ingredients, environmentally friendly ingredients, and bioenergy materials.
7.5 Microalgae Use in CO 2 Fixation and Production of Beneficial Substances
221
artificial seeds with carrot somatic embryos showed a germination rate of over 90%
for artificial seeds containing the high molecular weight fraction (100 mgL
−1 ),
indicating improvements in the artificial seed’s germination defective conditions.
All marine blue-green algae also have very high protein content of nearly 50%.
In some cases, the content is as high as 78.4%. Growth is also very fast, with a
doubling time of nine hours, suggesting possibility for use of a new source of
single-cell protein (SCP). The fatty acids contained in marine blue-green algae also
include unsaturated fatty acids with 16 and 18 carbon atoms. Unsaturation occurs as
a result of strong light and low temperatures during culturing, suggesting possible
applications as a new oil source in addition to its pharmacological actions (Matsunaga et al. 1991; Fish and Codd 1994).
Additionally, marine blue-green algae have also been found to produce substances that can be used for cosmetics, including UV ray absorption substances,
tyrosinase inhibitor, and superoxide dismutase. Sulfated polysaccharides produced
by blue-green algae have also exhibited blood clotting and antiviral activity.
Blue-green algae have been used commercial in pigment production as well,
including phicocyanine, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and red pigments
(Vo et al. 2015).
7.6 Industrial Applications of Microalgae
7.6.1 Using Microalgae in Industry
The first research on microalgae in Korea took place with phytoplankton as part of a
marine survey in 1915. Before Korea regained independence in 1945, research was
primarily conducted by the Japanese. The first reports on phytoplankton research by
Korean scholars came in the mid-1950s. Research on microalgae became more
active in the late 1960s, and numerous academic achievements began to be realized.
Research during this time focused chiefly on microalgae typology and ecological
index organisms, but by the late 1980s it had expanded into physiological ecology,
biochemistry, genetic engineering, and bioengineering. Recently, the focus has
shifted to research and development for use of microalgae as a key biological
resource in applications for the environment and bioindustry. Current research
centers on increasing biomass and bioenergy capabilities by promoting photosynthesis mechanisms to absorb carbon dioxide, which is a cause of global warming
(Pires et al. 2012).
Rapid advancements in biotechnology have resulted in microalgae gaining
greatly in industrial usage value. Each microalgae has its own genetic properties,
serving not only as a potentially useful food source for humans but also a source of
various functional bioactive substances (such as antioxidants, anticancer agents,
immunomodulators, and agents to combat skin aging), functional food and cosmetic
ingredients, environmentally friendly ingredients, and bioenergy materials.
7.5 Microalgae Use in CO 2 Fixation and Production of Beneficial Substances
221