Microalgae As A Source Of Edible Oils

Abstract Microalgae are a promising future source for sustainable edible oils. They already represent a valuable alternative for healthy long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Microalgal oil can become a cost-effective alternative to existing vegetable oils from terrestrial crops providing that triglyceride productivity is enhanced and the process is intensified by increasing biomass concentration and lipid content. Proper understanding of lipid metabolism in microalgae is of outmost importance to reach these targets. This chapter provides an overview on microalgae biology, physiology of triglycerides accumulation, production, and downstream technologies, as well as latest developments and future directions for increasing oil productivity considering both cultivation strategies and metabolic engineering. Safety and bioavailability of microalgae oils are discussed, together with relevant issues on economic and environmental sustainability of their production.