Concise review on seaweed photosynthesis: From physiological bases to biotechnological applications
Aline P. Martins, Pio Colepicolo, Nair S. Yokoya
Abstract
Seaweeds play an important role for the environment, since they are photosynthetic organisms, contributing to the cycling of nutrients and to the protection and feeding of several animals. The potential for biotechnological applications of marine macroalgae biomass is enormous, and to attend the demand of the current market, the knowledge of the physiological characteristics of these organisms is essential to ensure a high productivity in cultivation systems. In this review, we contribute to the knowledge about the photosynthetic characteristics of seaweeds, describing relevant aspects of marine macroalgae and photosynthesis, and the biotechnological use of these organisms.
Topics & Concepts
PhotosynthesisAlgaeBiomass (ecology)ProductivityBiologyPhotosynthetic efficiencyBiochemical engineeringBotanyBiotechnologyEcologyEngineeringMacroeconomicsEconomicsSeaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsMarine and coastal plant biologyAlgal biology and biofuel production