Study of Certain Algal Pigmentation

Abstract

Bioactive commercial pigments derived from algae have long been known. To power their photosynthetic process, algae use pigments that absorb light. Chlorophylls, Phycobilins, and carotenoids are the three main types of pigments found in algae. Among the many roles played by carotenoids, which are notable for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoprophylactic, and anticancer properties, are astaxanthin, lutein, fucoxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin properties. They protect other molecules from reactive radical-induced oxidative stress in various ways, and their existence of double bonds gives them broad health uses. Depending on the metabolic pathway and genetic potential, some species produce these carotenoids as main products and others as by-products this research presents innovative procedures for the synthesis, extraction, and purification of microalgal pigments.