Diatoms as producers of fucoxanthin and polyunsaturated fatty acids

This article provides an overview of the recent literature on diatom microalgae in order to assess their potential as producers of biologically valuable substances such as fucoxanthin and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The biochemical, physiological, and genetic features of diatom algae that make them suitable for use in biotechnological production were summarized. The general properties of fucoxanthin and PUFAs were outlined, as well as their therapeutic and prophylactic benefits that create a steady demand for these critical bioresources. Fucoxanthin and PUFAs content and productivity in different microalgae species were analyzed. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a promising candidate for commercial production of fucoxanthin and fatty acids, was described, with a focus on its general biology, current methods of cultivation, and prospects for genetic modification. The influence of cultivation conditions on the accumulation of fucoxanthin and PUFAs in P. tricornutum was examined, along with some aspects of its biomass processing, including harvesting and extraction of biologically valuable substances. The possibilities for complex biomass processing to improve the efficiency of biotechnological production were investigated.