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Commercial applications of algae: opportunities and constraints

Journal of Applied Phycology volume 6, pages 93–98 (1994)Cite this article

Abstract

Microalgae have three fundamental attributes that can be converted into technical and commercial advantages:

  1. (1)

    They are genetically a very diverse group of organisms with a wide range of physiological and biochemical characteristics; thus they naturally produce many different and unusual fats, sugars, bioactive compounds, etc.

  2. (2)

    They can cost-effectively incorporate the stable isotopes13C,15N and2H into their biomass, and thus into various compounds they produce.

  3. (3)

    They comprise a large, unexplored group of organisms, and thus provide a virtually untapped source of products.

The challenge in the application of microalgae to commercial ends is to focus only on those products with large market and/or profit potential, where the use of microalgae leads to clear competitive advantages. This requires a clear understanding of the practical use of the microalgal product, the market it addresses, and its advantages and cost relative to competitive products or processes. Several examples are presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Martek Biosciences Corporation, 6480 Dobbin Road, Columbia, Maryland, 21045, USA

    Richard J. Radmer

  2. Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA

    Bruce C. Parker

Authors
  1. Richard J. Radmer
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  2. Bruce C. Parker
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Radmer, R.J., Parker, B.C. Commercial applications of algae: opportunities and constraints. J Appl Phycol 6, 93–98 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02186062

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02186062

Key words

  • microalgae
  • algal products
  • algal biotechnology