Bioactive molecules from microalgae and constraints in commercialization

Abstract Increasing drug resistance in pathogenic microorganisms especially fungi and bacteria, menace caused by AIDS in modern society, spread of dreaded cancer disease worldwide, especially in third-world countries led the scientists to look at nature and little explored microalgae which seem to be a bioresource for biomolecules. Microalgae, in general, involve all microscopic algae including cyanobacteria which have originated on earth 2.8 billion years ago. Modern knowledge of genomics, proteomics and understanding of the strategy of survival of such microalgal strains inhabiting various environments including extreme habitats must be endowed with specific metabolic pathways, producing specific biomolecules of synthetic biochemist's interest. Bioassays of microalgal extracts clearly demonstrate their potential to kill fungi and bacteria and to inhibit growth of viral and cancer cells. The identification of target biomolecules is a difficult task. Modern instruments including chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry led to the isolation and identification of biomolecules. However, small quantities of biomolecules (μg/g dry weight) made it difficult to produce at large scale. This chapter reviews the state of the art in extraction, purification and extent of nanotechnology for its impact on microbial system as well as cancer cells. Constraints in commercialization of biomolecules and drug production and its overcoming strategies are also discussed.