Microalgae-Based Processes for Pigments Production

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the microalgae-based processes for pigment production, especially astaxanthin, β-carotene, and C-phycocyanin. At first, chemistry and biochemistry will be described for a better understanding of pigment’s production in the microalgae cells, focusing on the factors influencing the synthesis. Besides this, the upstream and downstream processing operations involved in the production process of the pigments in question will be reviewed in their main aspects. Finally, the main production systems (raceways, extensive unmixed lagoons, and tubular photobioreactors) used in the production of carotenoids and phycocyanin will be presented and discussed in the chapter.