Some species of microalgae and cyanobacteria mass-produce hydrocarbons that can be converted into biodiesel or hydrogen, whereas other species produce value-added compounds such as carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and polysaccharides. These compounds are now widely playing roles in functional foods, nutritional supplement, and cosmeceuticals. This chapter introduces the potential high-value products derived from microalgae and considers their path to commercialization. These considerations include the product quality requirements, application, market size and market characteristics of the product, and competitors (chemically synthesized products or compounds from other organisms).
