Algal Derived Functional Lipids and their Role in Promoting Health

International audienceAlgae are organisms with an enormous biodiversity and contain manifold fatty acid molecular structures and ratios. This chapter presents information about the structure and distribution of fatty acids in algae whether microalgae or macroalgae. The parameters affecting lipid and fatty acid contents as well as distribution are also discussed. Methods for isolation and purification of fatty acids from algae to obtain highly pure fatty acid or fatty acid fractions with good overall yields are presented. Algal fatty acids are known as sources of bioactive compounds for health promotion and wellness. Lipid fractions and fatty acids act as actives or additives for cosmeceutical applications. For health promotion, preventive effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and cancer are discussed. The role of n-3 fatty acids in cancer therapy and antiviral activities of lipids are also exposed. Furthermore, potential commercial application domains and concepts are discussed in this chapter