Bioeconomy, sustainability, and digital technologies in Haematococcus lacustris biomass and astaxanthin production: advances and outlook

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties, used in research on cancer treatment, ocular injuries, and neurological disorders. When produced by the microalgae Haematococcus lacustris , its antioxidant potential is even higher than that of the synthetic molecule, making it particularly attractive for pharmaceutical and nutritional use. The cultivation of H. lacustris and the production of astaxanthin face several challenges, but many studies are being conducted to reduce costs and make the process more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This review highlights innovations being implemented in the production of astaxanthin by H. lacustris , including the use of liquid effluents as a complexed cultivation medium and the application of modern traceability and monitoring technologies. Furthermore, a final model is presented, discussing the benefits of a proposed integration between astaxanthin production and the bioethanol industry, which would use waste from the ethanol industry to cultivate H. lacustris , contributing to a more efficient and sustainable production for both bioprocesses.