Multifaceted strategies for economic production of microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis-derived astaxanthin via direct conversion of CO2

Abstract

Owing to its strong antioxidant properties, astaxanthin has a high market price in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields, and its demand is increasing. Furthermore, with an increase in the demand for green technology, astaxanthin production through direct CO2 conversion using the autotrophic green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis as a bio-platform has received much attention. Large-scale outdoor cultivation of H. pluvialis using waste CO2 sources and sunlight can secure sustainability and improve economic efficiency. However, low strain performance, reduced light utilization because of increased cell density, and inefficient transfer of gaseous CO2 into liquid culture broth hinder its large-scale commercialization of astaxanthin. Herein, we presented a multifaceted strategy, including the development of high-efficiency strains, a culture system for astaxanthin accumulation, and astaxanthin extraction from biomass, for economically producing astaxanthin from H. pluvialis through direct CO2 conversion. Future perspectives were presented by comparing and analyzing various previous studies conducted using the latest technology.