A detailed reference on microalgal lipid biosynthesis and applications

Microalgal Lipids Biochemistry and Biotechnology provides a structured treatment of algal and microbial lipid biochemistry, from structural diversity and classification through lipogenic biosynthetic pathways and downstream applications. Organized into four sections spanning fifteen chapters, the book systematically covers lipid accumulation mechanisms under autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic conditions, de novo fatty acid synthesis and regulation, and the multienzyme complexes driving fatty acid biosynthesis.

Dedicated chapters address the biosynthesis metabolism of glycolipids, phospholipids, sphingolipids, hydrocarbons, sterols and acylglycerols, terpenoids, chlorophylls, and polyprenols. The final section presents comparative lipidomic profiling of lipid droplets, their occurrence and biosynthesis from microalgae as cell factories, and the role of lipids in algal development, connecting metabolic understanding to biotechnological and sustainability applications.

Readers will find:

• Coverage of the phylogeny of oleaginous microalgae and the key genes and enzymes involved in their lipid metabolism
• Detailed analysis of lipid accumulation mechanisms comparing autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic cultivation strategies for microalgal species
• Practical guidance on lipid extraction and characterization methods applicable to both research laboratory and industrial production settings
• Integrated discussion of how microalgal lipid research contributes to environmental sustainability and viable alternatives for health applications
• Current research linking genetic engineering techniques to enhanced production of polyunsaturated fatty acids including GLA, ARA, EPA, and DHA

Designed for researchers, academics, industry professionals, and educators working in lipid biochemistry and molecular biology, this book delivers the depth required to advance both fundamental understanding and applied development. Environmental scientists and healthcare professionals exploring sustainable lipid sources will also find targeted, relevant coverage.

Yuanda Song is a Professor at the Innovation Research Institute for Natural Products and Health Industry, Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Precision Nutrition and Healthy Aging, Qilu Medical University, Shandong, China, and the Colin Ratledge Center for Microbial Lipids, Shandong University of Technology, China. His research focuses on the biosynthesis of unique fatty acids from oleaginous microorganisms such as Mucor circinelloides and Aurantiochytrium sp. through advanced genetic engineering, with deep expertise in lipid metabolism signaling pathways.

Hassan Mohamed is a researcher at the Colin Ratledge Center for Microbial Lipids, Shandong University of Technology, China, and the Department of Botany and Microbiology at Al-Azhar University, Egypt. His work enhances polyunsaturated fatty acid production including GLA, ARA, EPA, and DHA, contributing to both academic research and industrial applications.