International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 112-125 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 116 4 Sustainable Utilization of Algal Germplasm 4.1 Biotechnological applications Algal germplasm holds significant promise for various biotechnological applications due to its rich genetic diversity and high adaptability to different environmental conditions. One of the most notable applications is in the production of biofuels, microalgae and cyanobacteria have been identified as promising candidates for next-generation biofuels due to their high lipid content and rapid growth rates. Advances in metabolic and genetic engineering have further enhanced their biofuel production capabilities, making them a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels (Khan and Fu, 2020, Algae can be cultivated to produce biomass that is rich in lipids, which can be converted into biodiesel through transesterification. Research has shown that using a mixotrophic cultivation strategy enables algae to treat organic and inorganic wastes while producing biomass for biofuel feedstock, thereby improving the sustainability of biofuel production (Patel et al., 2020). Algae-based biorefineries that integrate multiple production processes, such as anaerobic digestion and hydrothermal liquefaction, can enhance the overall energy yield and economic viability of biofuel production (Allen et al., 2018). Figure 2 Procedure for the cryopreservation of S. latissima gametophytes and the viability assay (Adopted from Visch et al., 2019) 4.2 Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses Algal germplasm is also being explored for its potential in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments, which have various health benefits. For instance, algal extracts have been found to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable in the development of new drugs and health supplements (Fabris et al., 2020). Moreover, microalgae like Chlorella and Spirulina are commonly used in dietary supplements due to their high nutritional content, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The utilization of algae in these sectors not only provides health benefits but also offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives and supplements (Zabochnicka et al., 2022). 4.3 Agricultural and environmental applications The agricultural and environmental applications of algal germplasm are vast and diverse. Algae can be used as biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. The co-cultivation of microalgae with plant growth-promoting bacteria, such as Methylobacterium, has been shown to significantly increase algal biomass production, which can be leveraged for sustainable agriculture (Krug et al., 2020), Studies have shown that algal biochar and microalgal extracts can significantly improve crop yields and soil health by providing essential nutrients and stimulating plant growth (Mona et al., 2021). For example, the application of microalgal extracts as
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