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Both biologically and economically, microalgae are vital for the proper functioning of the biosphere. Globally the scientific community is trying to tap the massive microalgae resource, which is able to grow in all ecological niches. Huge biodiversity and variable composition of microalgae can enhance the production of variable compounds and increase their availability commercially. Microalgae are the viable feedstock for the production of bioactive compounds that can revolutionize the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Natural compounds like carotenoids, phytosterols, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and phenolic and volatile compounds from microalgal biomass can be specially incorporated to produce functional foods and pharmaceutical products. Bioactive compounds from microalgae are of immense importance for the development of industrially important products. Metabolites from microalgae improve health and stimulate defense system in humans and have spurred intense research on microalgal biomass about their use in pharmaceutical and food industry. In this chapter, we will focus on bioactive compounds produced by several microalgal species and their role in improving the health of human being, which is degrading with increasing living standards and population explosion. |
