Algal proteins: Production strategies and nutritional and functional properties

Animal-based proteins are the most consumed worldwide given their well-balanced nutritional composition. However, growing demand for animal will not be sustainable due to low conversion efficiency and high environmental footprint. Specific consumers’ dietary restrictions modern trends emphasize importance of finding alternative non-animal sources meet future food (and, in particular, protein) global needs. Algal biomass is considered a relevant alternative, presenting advantages over terrestrial such as higher growth rate, water consumption, no competition arable land, carbon–neutral emissions, production numerous bioactive compounds. This review provides an overview recent research advances on algae source proteins, including strategies from protein-producing species. Particular emphasis protein current applications forthcoming challenges use. Nutritional functional aspects or its protein-enriched fractions overviewed.