Microalgae as a source of pigments for food applications

Abstract Microalgae are the major photosynthesizers on Earth, and are promising sources of natural colorants including carotenoids, namely β-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein, chlorophylls, and phycobiliproteins. Industrial production of microalgae-derived carotenoids exists. Dunaliella salina, as a source of β-carotene, or Haematococcus pluvialis, as a source of astaxanthin, are examples of microalgal strains that have achieved commercial-scale success. Although natural colorants are more expensive and are not as stable as their chemical counterparts, they do have commercial success for two main reasons: (1) consumer demand for food products free from synthetic additives and (2) microalgae-derived pigments are important nutraceuticals and exert several health-promoting properties, most of them attributed to their potent antioxidant capacity. Most of the health benefits of these molecules have been assessed in vitro, although in vivo studies suggest a bright future for microalgae-derived pigments not only as coloring agents but also as health-promoters. Industrial production of microalgae-derived pigments is a reality and their potential future applications in the food industry are enormous.