Microalgal Biotechnology: Carotenoid Production by the Green Algae Dunaliella salina

Abstract

Species of the unicellular green alga Dunaliella thrive in extreme environmental conditions such as high salt concentrations, low pH, high irradiance and subzero temperature. Algae of the genus Dunaliella are among the best-known microalgae employed widely for the production of important chemicals such as carotenoids. Some strains of Dunaliella are cultivated commercially in large outdoor pond, and harvested to produce dry algal meal and concentrated oil for health food industry, food coloring and also cosmetic application. During the last decade, development of molecular biology and biochemistry with the biotechnology of mass cultivation enable this microalga to be more applied for the commercial utilization. Especially, new developments in molecular biology have important implications for the commercialization of microalgae, and make the genetic manipulation of the carotenoids content of Dunaliella more attractive for biotechnological purposes. Accordingly, the current review summarizes the recent developments in the biotechnological production of carotenoids in Dunaliella.