Algal Research 80 (2024) 103514 Available online 18 April 2024 2211-9264/© 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Review article Microalgal biomass and lipid synergy for omega fatty acid enrichment: A sustainable source for food supplements & nutraceuticals Veeramurugan Veerasamy a , Vivek Neethirajan a , Magdalin Sylvia Singarayar a , Dhivyadharshini Balasundaram a , Prabaharan Dharmar b , Sivasudha Thilagar a, * a Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamilnadu, India b National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria and Microalgae (NFMC), Bharathidasan Univerisity, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamilnadu, India A R T I C L E INFO Keywords: Microalgal lipid Omega fatty acids DHA EPA Human health & nutrition ABSTRACT This article investigates microalgae as a sustainable source of omega fatty acids, particularly focusing on DHA and EPA. It delves into optimizing growth conditions, employing abiotic stressors, manipulating pathways and utilizing radiation to enhance biomass, lipid and omega-fatty acid yields. Additionally, the downstream process encompassing biomass harvest, lipid extraction and omega fatty acid purification is detailed. The nutritional and health advantages of omega fatty acids are emphasized, along with their diverse applications. The article also addresses challenges and offers insights into prospects for microalgal omega fatty acid production. In summary, microalgae represent a promising and sustainable avenue for omega fatty acid production, holding significant implications for nutrition and health. Abbreviations/acronyms GC Gas Chromatography GC–MS Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy HPLC High Pressure Liquid Chromatography TLC Thin Layer Chromatography IEC Ion Exchange Chromatography TG Triglyceride TAG Tri-acyl-glyceride TFA Total Fatty Acid GHG Green House Gases 1. Introduction The global population is growing rapidly [1], increasing the demand for food and food supplements. Research is on the way to finding the best alternative for food supplements [2]. Among these requirements, essential fatty acids are in high demand [3,4]. Because, in today’s fast- paced world, omega fatty acids are indispensable. Crucial for brain health amid cognitive demands [5,6], they also maintain heart health [7,8], manage inflammation [9], and regulate mood [10]. Essential for joint flexibility [11] and skin health [12], they play a pivotal role in diverse physical activities and environmental challenges. Critical during development, especially for pregnant women and infants, omega fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Modern dietary deficiencies highlight the urgent need for intentional inclusion or supplementation in contemporary diets. Omega fatty acids are omega fatty acids classified based on the position of the double bonds in their carbon chain, with the last carbon‑carbon double bond being the char- acteristic feature, which is omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. Here, omega-3 fatty acids have their last double bond at the third carbon from the methyl (CH 3 ) end of the carbon chain [13]. They include alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexae- noic acid (DHA). Omega-6 fatty acids have their last double bond at the sixth carbon from the methyl end of the carbon chain. The most common omega-6 fatty acid is linoleic acid (LA). Omega-9 fatty acids have their last double bond at the ninth carbon from the methyl end of the carbon chain. Omega-9 fatty acid is not considered an essential fatty acid even if it is an unsaturated fatty acid. The most common omega-9 fatty acid is oleic acid [14]. Other than that, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are not produced by the human body and must be obtained through the diet [15]. They play a critical role in human health, including brain development [16], inflammation regulation (reduce oxidant stress and suppress the pro–inflammatory compounds in the body), Alzheimer’s disease [17], cardiovascular health [18], etc. * Corresponding author. E-mail address: sudha@bdu.ac.in (S. Thilagar). Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Algal Research journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/algal https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103514 Received 15 November 2023; Received in revised form 7 March 2024; Accepted 17 April 2024